G'day Gents!
As we approach the Christmas season, thoughts of electric trains are uppermost in many minds - the trains of our youth. So, on this OPTIONAL Toy ‘n Model Trains Day at the Tavern by the Tracks, it's time to take a look at perhaps one of Lionel's best known steam locomotive from "back in the day" . . .
History of the Lionel Scale Hudson by Richard E. Walters; Vintage Rails #20 1999 The 1940 Lionel catalog offers the highly detailed, ready-to-run 700EW Hudson, as well as the 700K, which comes as a six-piece kit. In 937 the Lionel 700E made its debut. It was created, some believe, by pressure to offer the scale community a mass-produced, low cost alternative to a precision hand-built brass locomotive and tender, and it immediately captivated both tinplate and NMRA hobbyists. Little did anyone realize that the 700E would become a benchmark by which all model electric trains would be measured for the decades to come. A small section of other "scale"-size locomotives had been built by Lionel a few years earlier, notably the 725E UP M-10000 in 1934 and the 250E Hiawatha Atlantic in 1935. To be sure, these were constructed to NMRA 45:1 proportions, but they lacked much of the "added-on" detail enjoyed by scale enthusiasts, and their appearance was also somewhat more toy-like. The 48:1 scale 700E satisfied a great deal of the demand at that time, especially for what the pinnacle of Central System's 20th Century Limited J-1 Hudson. Measuring over 24 ½" in length and weighing over 15 pounds, the 700E and its tender were indeed a formidable combination. High-definition die cast metal, open-spoked driver wheels, and loads of added-on super detailing represented quite a departure from earlier endeavors. It carried beautiful complex linkage and Baker valve gear, accentuated by intricate detail. The tender had a whistle, scale trucks with Timken bearings, and 1,600 rivets. If you powered your train on an outside third rail, am add-on pickup shoe was included with each 700E. To wrap up each unit, a nice 072 T-rail display board with a brass nameplate was included. Quite a piece! Considering the "enormous" investment of $75 in the fully assembled scale 700E (remember, this was the late 1930s, with many in our nation still out of work), Lionel began offering the various components of the J-1E kit form as the 700K. This was offered in six separate kits, all of which totaled $64.50. You could assemble the complete package, and do so as your budget allowed. There are only a few variations of both the 700E and 700K. The original models were a true scale endeavor, and carrying this to the logical conclusion, the drive wheels on the engine were all flanged for use with the T-rail track. Some of the original engines were found to have "blind" center drivers and wheel flanges adaptable to tubular track (the latter fairly prevalent on the later 763E). To better market this magnificent locomotive to the masses, Lionel offered a less costly, but no less formidable version of the 700E during the 1937-1942 production run, namely the 763E. The castings were basically unchanged, but the boiler and frame lacked much of the added detail, and shorter "tinplate" coal or oil tenders were offered. This Hudson did have many variations: Tender type, paint color, coupler variety, and markings varied. The engine did not have an operative coupler on the pilot. The boiler front had no 5344 number board and no grab iron railing. The Baker valve gear, lubricator, and over 90 percent of the 700E frame, boiler, and boiler front details were gone. The added-on piping on the boiler was missing, and the drive wheels were not only spoked, but also flanged for tubular track, and the center drivers were blind. When Lionel introduced the automatic box coupler in 1938, tender designations and markings were changed. By the end of 1942, production ceased, and the pre-war Hudson era was over.
History of the Lionel Scale Hudson by Richard E. Walters; Vintage Rails #20 1999
The 1940 Lionel catalog offers the highly detailed, ready-to-run 700EW Hudson, as well as the 700K, which comes as a six-piece kit.
In 937 the Lionel 700E made its debut. It was created, some believe, by pressure to offer the scale community a mass-produced, low cost alternative to a precision hand-built brass locomotive and tender, and it immediately captivated both tinplate and NMRA hobbyists. Little did anyone realize that the 700E would become a benchmark by which all model electric trains would be measured for the decades to come. A small section of other "scale"-size locomotives had been built by Lionel a few years earlier, notably the 725E UP M-10000 in 1934 and the 250E Hiawatha Atlantic in 1935. To be sure, these were constructed to NMRA 45:1 proportions, but they lacked much of the "added-on" detail enjoyed by scale enthusiasts, and their appearance was also somewhat more toy-like. The 48:1 scale 700E satisfied a great deal of the demand at that time, especially for what the pinnacle of Central System's 20th Century Limited J-1 Hudson. Measuring over 24 ½" in length and weighing over 15 pounds, the 700E and its tender were indeed a formidable combination. High-definition die cast metal, open-spoked driver wheels, and loads of added-on super detailing represented quite a departure from earlier endeavors. It carried beautiful complex linkage and Baker valve gear, accentuated by intricate detail. The tender had a whistle, scale trucks with Timken bearings, and 1,600 rivets. If you powered your train on an outside third rail, am add-on pickup shoe was included with each 700E. To wrap up each unit, a nice 072 T-rail display board with a brass nameplate was included. Quite a piece! Considering the "enormous" investment of $75 in the fully assembled scale 700E (remember, this was the late 1930s, with many in our nation still out of work), Lionel began offering the various components of the J-1E kit form as the 700K. This was offered in six separate kits, all of which totaled $64.50. You could assemble the complete package, and do so as your budget allowed. There are only a few variations of both the 700E and 700K. The original models were a true scale endeavor, and carrying this to the logical conclusion, the drive wheels on the engine were all flanged for use with the T-rail track. Some of the original engines were found to have "blind" center drivers and wheel flanges adaptable to tubular track (the latter fairly prevalent on the later 763E). To better market this magnificent locomotive to the masses, Lionel offered a less costly, but no less formidable version of the 700E during the 1937-1942 production run, namely the 763E. The castings were basically unchanged, but the boiler and frame lacked much of the added detail, and shorter "tinplate" coal or oil tenders were offered. This Hudson did have many variations: Tender type, paint color, coupler variety, and markings varied. The engine did not have an operative coupler on the pilot. The boiler front had no 5344 number board and no grab iron railing. The Baker valve gear, lubricator, and over 90 percent of the 700E frame, boiler, and boiler front details were gone. The added-on piping on the boiler was missing, and the drive wheels were not only spoked, but also flanged for tubular track, and the center drivers were blind. When Lionel introduced the automatic box coupler in 1938, tender designations and markings were changed. By the end of 1942, production ceased, and the pre-war Hudson era was over.
Enjoy!
Tom
Hi Tom and all,
Leon a round of Tui`s for all the crew please!
Tom. Good to see you back on board again. Sounds as if you had a good trip. Lancaster bombers were real workhorses of RAF bomber command during WW2, nice to see they named one for the Canadian pilot who got a VC, they had another bomber called the Stirling as well, but not in as large #`s as the Lancaster. Nice write up on the Lionel trains, those Hudson`s were very realistic lookers at the time they came out.
Lars. Enjoyed all your book cover pics on the NYC and the other east coast RR`s as well, it`s always great to see all your pics and informative posts, together with all the humour you give us at the same time.
Pete. I`m really jealous mate, you have the two Ian Allen train-spotters books that I had as well and were lost during all our overseas moves, did you get many spots noted in them? Enjoyed the Midland Red link, had a couple of rides on them in "Brum" years ago. Nice selection of pics and info on your posts, nice shots of that layout, and some nice Dutch pics of Alan`s. Have a nice holiday and have a safe trip.
Eric. That place name sure is a long one in any language, Maori is very hard language to get your tongue around, their are no S`s in it, and the "wh" is pronounced as an "f" so it can be very confusing, Waipukurau, the place we live in is pronounced Why-puck-uh-row [row as in argue!] Nice links to the Hamburg trams, you struck my memory chords again, we used to go through Hamburg on the way to Todendorf, on the Baltic coast, every three months for our live firing practice at the AAA Nato range, our convoys had to bypass the city centre because of the trams! Nice to see you got your Cardiac clearance. Enjoyed all your pics and info you posted, nice shot of Tom on that streetcar.
Jan. Enjoyed the re-post of Tom`s Milwaukee Road info and your electric and steam loco pics of that road. Take it easy at work mate!
Ron. It sounds as if you have been very busy with your MRR and your sons truck just lately. Very interesting info on the COALS project, I was very interested in that ACE 3000 project that the Chessie system were working on a few years ago. Hope your wife`s well away from that quake area in Chile. Drink plenty of fluids while your working over that hot stove mate, wo`nt say what kind of fluids though!
CM3. Hope you have a great family reunion tommorow mate!
To all. Wishing you and yours a very joyful Thanksgiving Day together, have a GOOD ONE!
See ya, Allan
Good morning Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!
Leon, medium cooked Filet Mignon and lots of mushroom, please! Tui will be fine!
I'll start with wishing everyone a Very Happy Thanksgiving!!!
This day not much will be done, just take it easy and eat some turkey (plus everything else that comes with it).
Tom – Welcome back to Our Place! Hope you had a nice “vacation” in and around Branson!A trip to ExpoRail sounds like something interesting for the (near?) future. Interesting info on Lionel Scale Hudson! I saw on the news tonight that Lionel Trains (at least some of them) are now made in China. Lars – Always time for Ruth?! I like your book covers (as always)! I’ll go for the last one, Trackside around New Jersey! Ron – Thanks for the drink! Happy Thanksgiving!!Pete – Yes, the rail line to Globe is serving the mine. The Brill car was a temporary loan from the east coast somewhere (New Jersey?).Thanks for the photos from Kansas City and Sacramento Railroad Museum! It seems like they are building a good size layout at Union Station. Is it just for Christmas? Allan – I have been to Hamburg a number of times, mostly in the 60’s and 70’s, and I liked their streetcars. After they disappeared it was not the same any more.
Cab layout, ICE-1. Altoona, Germany, 1990.
Eric
Greetings Tom and gentlemen....
Have taken a few days off to catch up on my sleep. So without any further delay..... Barkeep, give the lads whatever they want and put it on my tap, don't forget the usual cigars to go as well....thanks....wait, got some hard $$$$ here....here you go....this should keep them going until early morning tomorrow....keep whatever gets left...
Enjoyed everybody's posts and pics....great stuff!
I've left a couple of nice single malts for you to enjoy behind the bar....
Of course we're serving breakfast on this Thanksgiving Day - so join us for a <light>or <traditional> breakfast from our Menu Board - some pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery ‘n wash it all down with a mug of freshly ground ‘n brewed coffee!
I believe Ron (DD1) wondered whether we took in any of the shows in Branson. The answer is YES. Friday nite: The Gatlin Brothers & Lennon sisters - Saturday nite: Jim Stafford - Sunday nite: The Osmonds - and - Monday nite: Andy Williams. All shows were Christmas themes 'n without a doubt all were very entertaining 'n well done. Larry Gatlin still "has it" - Jim Stafford is hilarious - The Osmonds (Jimmy - Wayne 'n Jay) brought back good memories - and Andy Williams was just plain terrific. His theatre 'n restaurant are class acts. Just a wonderful time was had. We'll do it again next year!
Comments from the Proprietor:
Wishing our customers ‘n their families the happiest of Thanksgivings - ever!
Customer Acknowledgments (since my last narrative)
Wednesday - Nov 21st, 2007:
Lars (LoveDomes) at 10:38 AM: Our dependable Manager dropped by to brighten up the morning with another fine spate of book covers!
Much appreciation to you for helping to keep us afloat during these lulls in activity.
I think you left out an important contributor to this joint - our friend from downunder! So, we'll call it a Yank - Brit - Kiwi - Swede bar 'n grill!
Eric (EricX2000) at 1:21 PM: Really a pleasure knowing that you 'n Pete have been so diligent in helping to keep "Our" Place alive 'n well these past several days . . . Five Salute to Eric 'n Pete!
When times are slow, there's nothing better than a few fotos to captivate the interest! Many thanx for yours . . .
Yes, Juneau was very happy to see us 'n resume his life of leisure 'round here!
Pete (pwolfe) at 2:47 PM: Thought you had already departed! Many thanx for the PM visit, chat 'n fotos!
Yes, the weather did hold off 'til today . . . now it's rather <glum> outside - trying to rain, very cloudy <gloomy> 'n not a trace of the beautiful temps 'n blue skies these past several days. We were indeed very fortunate.
Worst part of the trip was having to leave our best furry friend - Juneau - behind . . . but all's back to normal again as he's found all of his favorite places to <snooze> 'n so on.
One day we should orchestrate a trip to Branson - the four of us. Perhaps we could do it while you 'n your bride are down in Springfield. Anyway, you'd love the train ride. There are three domes in the consist, so seating won't be an issue. Depending on the time of year, they run seve
Ahoy Cap'n Tom 'n fellow travelers at the bar!
Well, I must say, things look just a bit different today with YOU behind the bar instead of my lovely, Ruth! But, CHEERS to ya, mate - good to see Da Bossman on the job.
Fix me one of those special ciders wudja, 'n add a "BK splash" while you're at it!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Boris, ring the bell 'n set 'em up Cap'n Tom!
Enjoy this fine day that God made for one 'n all . . .
Until the next time!
Lars
Hello Tom and all in
Happy Thanksgiving!
I expect you have been posting me up as legion of the lost - but I have been doing some catching up and am glad to be able to call in. I'll have a pint of Harvey's Bitter and I'll get anyone else who's in a drink of their choice! Hope all is well.
Having been able to review most of the pages since my last visit at least I can make a few comments!
Tom - I particularly enjoyed your pics of the subway cars on the Can Am layout. Looked good. I also enjoyed those old Railroad Magazine covers.
CM3 - survived some tough and close in reporting I see - in order to post a great vintage link to that Erie Magazine pdf a few pages back!
Jan - some great photo spreads (some from the previous pages which I had not seen before, and others from here and there - some nicely selected pictures I must say!)
Rob - most interesting to read your comments on sale of Toronto Union station - I'd certainly appreciate being kept up to date with news on this - I'm sure you will post things as and when (time permitting) - I think I mentioned the superb tour of the station I went on when in Canada (write up on earlier pages of this thread) which was very impressive - I expect you know it, but if for some reason you have not taken that behind the scenes tour then I'd urge you to do it (and post some pics which I can't do!)
Ron - I appreciate you diverted into family history - but I must say it was very interesting o read what you posted - off topic but Tom allows the occasional indulgence and when in the spirit of things I must say I enjoy it - as no doubt others did too.
Black and Tan was indeed the nicknames for the British Soldiers who ‘policed' Ireland after the Great War and of course tried to clamp down on the terrorist activities of the IRA. But this is not a period of British history that we should be too proud of. The soldiers were often ex WW1 regulars and pretty ruthless in their behaviour with the citizenry - probably did more to enhance support for Irish independence than stop it - the action was short lived of course as no doubt government realised a ‘political solution' was required rather than a military one.
For anyone interested in this period of history there is a superb film called The Wind That Shakes the Barley which was made recently (it is biased of course, but what isn't). It think it even features a scene at the local railway station early on in the film, so I'm not even off topic
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0460989/
The Brits don't come out of it too well, but the film making is high quality.
I'm not sure how the soldiers got that nickname.
It is also of course a mixed drink of Stout and Bitter I believe - but since I'm not a stout drinker I have never had it
By the way, I very much enjoyed the pictures of your workshop - nicely equipped.
Allan - interesting to hear your recollection of the LNER Manors exhibition - I was not aware the Coronation coaches made much of an appearance after the war - I'm not sure what BR did with them - apart from the observation saloons which are being restored on the Great Central Railway. That must have been a very interesting period.
St Pancras is looking good. There is a documentary series on BBC2 at the mo called the ‘800 Million Pound Station' which is rather light weight but shows them doing the final stages of the building work and getting ready for the launch. I have seen better documentaries but it is quite interesting.
As Pete says the area they have opened up for the international trains check in and waiting room areas is the cellar of the station originally built to store barrels of Burton Ale brought down by train to London! They have ‘cut holes' in the roof of this area to make it light and airy - so it does not feel like a cellar. Apparently it has the longest champagne bar in europe - Barrf to that I say - why not a Burton Ale bar!!
Pete - I enjoyed your SF cable car and PCC shots - I enjoyed riding them when we were in that city following our California Zephyr ride a few years back. Great way to see the city.
Steam Index link - we think on similar lines - the article I read first was the one about C Hamilton Ellis!
Talking of reading I have nearly finished Red for Danger - for a book about one accident after another it is well written so as to be not too boring - but I have to say it is not as good as the canal book of Rolt's I read or railway Adventure about the Tallyllyn Railway - they are more of a good read in my view (not that Red for Danger is not worth reading - on the contrary - it is a classic - juts I liked the other books more!).
New Holland to Hull Ferry - see:
http://www.leytransport.i12.com/ferry.htm
From:
http://www.leytransport.i12.com/railcon.htm
Those others of you with sea legs will enjoy the first of these links - ferry lasted until 1980 or 81 I think.
Pete - you may also like this Brum link I found:
http://www.railaroundbirmingham.co.uk/
All the best
DL
Hello Leon, no nothing to eat, my stomach is full after too much to eat this Thanksgiving Day! But I'll have a cup of coffee, please.
Not too many visits here today, but that is expected a day like this.
JanOlov – Make sure you get a lot of sleep! Tom – Obviously you and mrs had a nice time in Branson! Four nites, four shows!! Plus your two-hour train ride!I bet Juneau both resumed his life of leisure and is back in command! Right? So all Lionel trains are now made in China?! I can’t help it, but I think that is sad. Lars – I think that was very nice of Da Bossman to give Ruth some time off today! DL – Thanks for the link to the Railways site! A lot of interesting info! Railways, locomotives, signals, etc. NEC over Susquehanna River, Maryland, between Baltimore and Wilmington.
<"Our" Place Christmas Holiday Train>
Friday's Grin
Law of probability: The probability of being watched is directly proportional to the stupidity of your act.
What's THAT above the bar ‘n around the place Why it's the "Our" Place Christmas Holiday Train, a gift from barndad Doug back in 2005! While we surely miss our good friend, the barnweevil, we can enjoy his presence here at the bar through that great looking train! A Christmas tradition at the Saloon by the Siding!
One of those strange weeks where every day seems like Saturday! Well, for those on the way to work <few> stop by for a mugga Joe, pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery ‘n order a <light> or <traditional> breakfast. For the rest of ya, what's the delay
We expect things to be verrrrrrrrrrrry slooooooooow ‘til Monday or later on in the week. So, there shouldn't be any difficulties finding a stool at the bar!
Thursday - Nov 22nd, 2007:
Lars (LoveDomes) at 9:48 AM: Once again, the guy who said he'd be scarce shows up to provide a greeting for one ‘n all! Nicely done, Mate!
Dan (DL-UK) at 11:23 AM: A long awaited unhurried Post from our Resident UK Connection! Great to see ya, Mate!
There was a time ‘round the Bar by the Ballast when those living outside of the U.S. would provide the conversation on this day in order to give we Yanks a break . . . So yours is a most welcome visit!
We have the DVD, The Wind That Shakes the Barley, but haven't viewed it yet . . . will do so in a few days though. Probably will add it to the Emporium features in the not-too-distant-future.
Friday - Nov 23rd:
Eric (EricX2000) at 12:32 AM: Given your continuing support for the bar along with a full stomach due to Thanksgiving feasting - we'll dispense with the five dollar coffee charge! On the house, Mate - on the house!
Absolutely hit it on the head regarding Juneau - he's always in charge ‘n quickly resumed that role ‘round the Haus! <grin>
Always liked the Susquehanna River basin - very pretty scenery. Thanx for the cab shot along the right-of-way!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Reminder: Ruth has the bar from 9 AM until Leon the Night Man comes in at 5 PM ‘til closing.
Friday is Pizza ‘n Beer Nite! - and - Steak ‘n Fries Nite!
Saturday is Steak ‘n All The Trimmings Nite!
Dinner begins at 5 PM so come early ‘n often!
Cindy is our Saturday bartender!
Boris, serve ‘em all of the "spiked" OJ they can handle!
I hope that you all enjoyed a great Thanksgiving with family and friends....
Barkeep....may I have something STRONG to help me fight off this cold of mine, before it gets any worse...and the usual top up with cigars for the troops....keep the change.
Just thought that I'd make a quick hit and run visit to the safety of our place to see how everybody's doing...
I'll back later folks....take care!
Ahoy Cap'n Tom ‘n fellow travelers at the bar!
Ruth my deAH, I hope your Thanksgiving was a pleasant one ‘n you missed me as much as I missed YOU! <blush>
Boris, the crittAHs are lined up - so let's get a move on. You feed ‘em ‘n that LARGE jar of PPF w/turkey is YOURS! <yeah> <ugh> And don't forget to take Artie outback for his field mouse! <double ugh>
I'll have a mug of that cider with a "BK splash" ‘n a round for the house too! Keep the change my lovely.
I see the Christmas Train has made it back! Always a good sign to have that fine looking G-gauge beauty rolling along the tracks above the bar. All we need is a visit from barndad Doug to make things "right," huh Some things just aren't meant to be. So as Da Bossman said, at least we can reflect on all the good times through the gift of that fine train he gave to the bar.
You ‘n your Mrs. sure took in some shows in Branson! My Mrs. has always wanted to see Andy Williams in person, and of course by now - unless he travels east - I guess that's not going to happen. How old is that guy anyway The Gatlins - now their music always topped my favorites list. Glad all went well on your time away ‘n hope you're now ready for the madness of "the season"! <ugh>
Nice Thanksgiving post from Cap'n Tom . . . liked all the turkeys! Even got a laff from my Mrs. <most unusual!!> <grin>
Took note of a fine post from Dan over in the UK . . . good to hear from you again! Just hope those who you directed comments to will "go back" on the pages once they return to pick up the messages . . . kind of a problem ‘round here from time to time. Although I must say that this crew is far bettAH at acknowledging than most.
Jan, you've been "hit ‘n running" a bit too long . . . so settle down, check out what's being provided - enjoy! Your visits ARE appreciated ‘n all help to keep things "up" ‘round here.
Eric, you've become our steady ‘n dependable night owl! Now you can witness for yourself just how few we are to keep this place going.
Hope all of you had a fine ‘n satisfying Thanksgiving - we did!
I'll be back tomorrow - hopefully - with some Encore "stuff" ‘n maybe some photos for our Saturday Encore and Photo Posting gala!
Good afternoon Ruth , just a quick pint if you could be so kind. Oh and here's a twenty spot to keep teh boys refueled this evening as well
Sorry folks I've been a tad overwhelmed and underpaid a work this past week do I've been a tad scarecer than what I normally would want to be. Before it all slodes away into the murk, I would like to properly applaud the efforts ongoing here at the bar pafrticualarly the remeberance day efforts that were put forth.As Tom would tell you all I normally would have been right in there like the proverbial dirty shirt with some add in of my own, however as a spur of the moment thing ( Heather and I always take off Rememberance day ) we decisded that since it was on a weekend that we would go one step fartehr than we normally would and we drove upto Ottawa and stayed over the weekend taking in the rememberance day services on Parliament Hill,something I think everyone should ( at least in this country ) do at least once.I'm glad we took the time out the weather was fair and close to 30,000 people were on hand.No one minded the wait ot the length standing on one's feet .Just to eb there with the vets kind of says it all we took the time to take in the National War Museum as well again well worth the waits ( very busy weekend for them )I can't say enough about the facility other than to say it's well worth the effort to go and see,easily a day could be spent there with no problem.
Anyway that flying trip and a week of midnights to right the ship at the store has left me a tad out of breath. I should now be able to resume normalo activities heer at the ole saloon by the siding, and a better port in any storm I can't imagine
Rob
Two - count 'em - two customers on this day after Thanksgiving. So, Ruth - go ahead 'n secure early, I'll take it from here . . .
Good to see Lars this morning AND the return <again> of our Resident Ontario Connection - trolleyboy Rob!
Been spending this day decorating the Haus - inside 'n out for the Christmas season. Don't know why we go to so much effort, as it's just "us-uns" - but we do. Place is beginning to "look a lot like Christmas!"
Then I put in at least an hour or more working on the fotos we took down in Branson - uploaded 'em to PhotoBucket - enhanced a bunch - so I'll have some ready for viewing perhaps tomorrow. This stuff is a lot like WORK! <ugh>
A bit about the Branson Scenic Railway for anyone interested:
The train is powered by two locomotives - at one end is the "classic" F9A diesel and at the other a GP30 - both in the unique livery of the BSR. <I noted that Wikipedia is referring to the "F" as an F7 and says the train has only 2 domes . . . so much for accuracy! I tried to correct it - but can't!>
The consist of cars includes three domes of the Burlington (Silver Island - Silver Garden - Silver Terrace). All the cars were manufactured by the old Budd Company in Philadelphia, PA. We rode the 2 hour round trip up in the dome of the Silver Garden.
We found the train to be in decent condition - although the signs of wear were evident throughout. The train was clean - restrooms in not-so-good shape - dome glass not bad - buffet car was really a well-done-effort with sandwiches made to order. Really a nice touch.
The GP30 appeared to be in great condition whereas the F9A needed a bit of maintenance. Number was missing from the "board" on the starboard side and beginning to disappear on the port side.
The speed of the train was about 30-35 mph and the track was in good condition with very little sway or herky jerky motion. The scenery was splendid - and we could only imagine how great it would've been to see it all when the foilage was in its glory.
Here's a bit of detailed info on the train:
BSRX 98, Locomotive, 1951 EMD F9PH, rebuilt 1981, has HEP (Formerly B&O, then MARC #83)BSRX 99, Locomotive, 1962 EMD GP30M, rebuilt 1982 (Formerly C&O, #4625)PPCX 800603, "Silver Eagle", 1949 Budd 60 Seat Coach (Formerly the Eagle from the Texas Pacific Railroad) BSRX 3118, "Silver Lake", 1951 Budd Buffet Lounge (Formerly the Parlor Car Casimir Pulaski from the Pennsylvania Railroad, then converted to a buffet lounge by Amtrak)BSRX 9540, "Silver Island", 1947 Budd Dome Lounge (From CB&Q, Twin-City Zephyr)BSRX 8503, "Silver Chef", 1956 Budd 48-Seat Diner (From CB&Q, Denver Zephyr)PPCX 800287, "Silver Garden", 1952 Budd Dome Lounge Coach (From CB&Q, Kansas City Zephyr)PPCX 800336, "Westport", 1939 Budd Lounge Observation (From Atlantic Coastline "Champion" Train)BSRX 9320, "Silver Terrace", 1952 Budd Dome Observation (From CB&Q, Kansas City Zephyr)
<info from http://www.bransontrain.com/depot/depot.htm>
Should make mention that I heard from Fergie today by Email. He's back out to sea 'n loving it! <envy> <green eyed envy!> Anyway, for an assortment of 'reasons' he's been unavailable for cyber space play time . . . but expects to rejoin us in the not-too-distant-future. Hmmmmmmm - he was reminded about the <tweeting> AND that he MUST own up, or Vito the Hit 'n Guido will be sizing him up for the cement shoes! <yikes>
That's it!
Good day Tom and all. Drinks are on me. Do you still have any turkey left over? Can't get enough of it. I cook turkey at least 5 times a year and turkey wings on a regular basis.
Tom: That Lionel spread was very interesting. I never knew Lionel put out kits in O72 with so much detail. Especially I found the reference to outside third rail of interest. I had always discounted Lionel as a toy not to be taken too seriously. At the time, I was into HO, so Lionel was never a consideration. I have a new healthy respect for Lionel. If you use the Gargraves phantom line track, tinplate doesn't look all that bad. One thing you got to give Lionel credit for is their reliability. My HO trains wouldn't run worth a d.... They would always stall due to dirty track. Lionel was the first train set most of us grew up with. A circle of track around the Christmas tree was always part of the decoration. I don't think anyone does that anymore. I did run a Marklin set around the tree a few years ago for the Grandkids. As I recall, they weren't overly impressed.
Another good candidate for a large scale model of the MOW car in the Halton County Radial Railway museum.
On Thursday, there was a documentary on giant steam locomotives on the History channel. It traced the development of giant steamers from the thirty's to their demise in 1970. It explained how locomotives went from 4-8-2's to 4-8-4's (larger fireboxes), the development of compound mallets like the Allegany, simple expansion compounds like the Challenger. The Union Pacific and Norfolk Western were the two companies discussed. Lima was apparently the big innovator back then. N&W took their designs and improved on them and with the USRA, developed the three engine designs that would become the standards. One of them was the "Northern", 4-8-4, but because the N&W was a Southern RR, they called it simply the "J" class.
Eric: I enjoyed the pictures of the Brill combine.
Pete: Here are the lyrics of the song.
Transport of Delight - Flanders and Swann
Some people like a motorbike, Some say a tram for me, Or for bonny Annie Laurie By the lay them down a dee. Such means of locomotion seem rather dull to us, The driver and conductor of a London omnibus.
Hold very tight please! Ting-ting! Hold very tight please! Ting-ting!
When you are lost in London And you don't know where you are You'll hear my voice a-calling "Pass further down the car!" And very soon you'll find yourself inside the terminus, In a London transport diesel-engined 97-horsepower omnibus.
Along the Queen's great Highway I drive my merry load At 20 miles-per-hour in the middle of the road. We like to drive in convoys - we're most gregarious: The big six-wheeler scarlet-painted London transport diesel-engined 97-horsepower omnibus.
Earth has not anything to show more fair Mind the stairs! Mind the stairs! Mind the stairs! Earth has not anything to show more fair Any more fares? Any more fares? Any more fares? Any more fares? Any more fares?
When cabbies try to pass me, before they overtakes, I sticks me flippin' 'and out and jams on all me brakes, Then jackal taxi drivers can only swear and cuss Behind that monarch of the road, Observer of the Highway Code, That big six-wheeler scarlet-painted London transport diesel-engined 97-horsepower omnibus.
I stops when I'm requested although it spoils the rides So he can shout "Gert out of it, we're full right up inside!" We don't ask much for wages, we only want fair shares So cut down all the stages and stick up all the fares. If tickets cost a pound a piece Why should you make a fuss? It's worth it just to ride inside That 30-foot-long by 10-foot-wide Inside that monarch of the road, Observer of the Highway Code, That big six-wheeler scarlet-painted London transport diesel-engined 97-horsepower, 97-horsepower omnibus.
Hold very tight please! Ting-ting!
It's recently been adopted as the marching song of the Underground resistance movement.
Footnotes
Annie Laurie: slang for Army lorry
Allan: Are you familiar with the "Mosquito" bomber? It was built out of wood at a time when metals were in short supply. The government didn't think a plane made of wood could compete with metal planes, but they were proven wrong. The mosquito's could fly 400 mph.
DL: How did the Ulster Constabulary fit in? I understand they were the local law when the soldiers left? Some of my roots are in England and Ireland, so I have an interest. My Grandfather was named Field. My Grandmother was a Moran. I believe he was a musician in the British Army. Not much more is known as he died when I was around two.
Tom: Much interesting information on the train at Branson. The "Westport" dates back to 1939? That must have been a blast .
All: I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving as I did with the family. Today I'm back in the kitchen cooking another turkey.
This is ENCORE! Saturday - and - Photo Posting Day!
Remember: "Our" Place is CLOSED on Sundays.
Saturday at the Bar by the Ballast ‘n time for a mugga Joe, pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery along with an order for a <light> or <traditional> breakfast from our Menu Board!
Lars (LoveDomes) at 9:27 AM: With what is continuing to be a most remarkable example of support for the bar, our Manager swung by with another bit of chat ‘n a round for the gang!
Rob (trolleyboy) at 2:55 PM: A surprise, but welcome, return <again> to the bar from our Resident Ontario Connection!
Noticed that southern ‘n eastern Ontario got hit by a winter-like storm the other day . . . hope you ‘n yours weren't too inconvenienced.
A thought: When people come into your toy store, do you have someone directing them to the "Leaded or Unleaded" sections for toys <grin>
Thanx for the visit here ‘n over on "my other Thread"!
Round appreciated too!
Ron (DD1) at 4:37 PM: Great to see the support continuing from our Resident Southern Gentleman in Ole Miss <aka: Transplanted New Yorker!>
I couldn't agree with you more regarding the points you made about Gargraves track ‘n the reliability of Lionel trains of "back in the day."
As a kid mine was Lionel electric trains. HO didn't arrive until I was into my 30s . . . All of my childhood things, including the trains, were discarded once I joined the service. Not by me - but when I returned from boot camp as "a man," all of ‘em were gone-zo. <sad>
Methinks you'd find yourself as close to railroad heaven on earth as possible if you could visit the Canadian Railway Museum up in Saint-Constant, Québec - and - the Halton County Radial Railway in Ontario. The former is an absolute "must," whereas the latter is a very well layed out exhibit of operating traction. You get the best of both worlds!
Didn't catch that documentary you mentioned, but it surely sounds like a winner to me!
In the "Small World Dept." noted the name "Moran" in a comment you made. My godfather had that name - he was from Montréal.
Appreciate the fine inclusive Post ‘n round!
Reminder: Cindy has the bar from 9 AM until Leon the Night Man comes in at 5 PM ‘til closing.
May I have something strong for this wee cold of mine....give the lads a top up with cigars while you're at it please.....don't forget the cigars...keep the change.
$$$$ for the cigar box and Mr Wurlitzer.....
Just got my Steam, Steel & Limiteds a few days ago, what great book! It's over 20 years old and still look like new....
Looking at those fantastic pics of heavyweight cars and their interiors, makes you wonder if the lightweight observation cars were that much better compared to their heavier sisters.... One B-I-G window, open platform with chairs....
Lightweights might have the style, but the heavies have the class....
Anyhoo, here's some B&O to look at...
B&O 2-8-8-4 #669 seen here in Fairmont, W. Va., May 1957.
B&O 4-6-2 #5207 stopped on the tracks near Akron (Summit County), Ohio. Shows a painting of a Soap Box Derby coaster car, lettering on the locomotive reads: "5207," "B&O," "Lima," "Tom Barnes locomotive courtesy of Baltimore & Ohio R.R.," "Lima, Ohio Champions, Tom Barnes and a Lima Locomotive," "to Akron," and "Soap Box Derby sponsored by Minnick Chevrolet, Inc., the Lima News, Jr. Chamber of Commerce." August 17, 1947.
B&O #50 seen here with train #2, The Abraham Lincoln consisting of 9 cars, leaving St. Louis, Mo., August 16, 1940.
B&O 4-4-4-4 #5600, the "Geo. W. Emerson" here at New York World's Fair, New York, August 5, 1939.
B&O 4-6-2 #5304, in Washington D.C., August 3, 1939.
B&O 4-4-4 #1 "Lady Baltimore", here with train #2, The Abraham Lincoln and 9 cars rolling by at 35 mph, leaving St. Louis, Mo., September 24, 1935.
Credit: Otto Perry & photoswest
Cindy, give the boys a round on me when they trickle in ‘n keep the change!
I see we've had a visit from our Swede in Scotland - Jan - with some mighty fine steamers from the B&O. Although I've mentioned it only a few dozen times, that's a road with some family heritage - grandfather ‘n father both retired from the B&O with long careers aboard those trains.
I see Cap'n Tom kicked off the day, as usual, with a fine AM offering. My hope is that when the guys come back from their vacations that they take the time to review the pages amassed here at the bar - some good stuff for one ‘n all.
Observed that one of "ours" made an appearance on the forums this morning but DIDN'T come to the bar. Now that's a definite <tweetable offense> from Cap'n Tom. No problems with visiting other threads, but ONLY if you stop off here FIRST ‘n have a drink with perhaps some food! Shame - for shame!
Noticed the reappearance of trolleyMAN Rob - isn't this getting to be somewhat routine Disappears - reappears - disappears - reappears! Hmmmmm, well, at least the man in Ontario hasn't totally given up on us.
Nice post from our Southerner down there in the place called "Mississip" (Ron) ! I definitely remember seeing those Lionel Hudsons, but since I'm a "youngster" compared to you old farts, they were pretty much on the way to becoming vintage . . . Fine looking machines ‘n very accurate in detailing.
I've been looking ‘round ‘n decided upon some B&O covers for my Encore on this Saturday! Thanks to Jan, it's a "non-theme" theme!
B&O Odyssey, Vol 1 (video)
B&O Odyssey, Vol 2 (video)
B&O Color Guide to Freight & Passenger Equipment
B&O Diesel Locomotives, Vol 1 - Switchers & Road Switchers
B&O in Color, Vol 1
B&O Steam in Color
B&O Steam Locomotives - The last 30 years (1928-1958)
B&O Trackside
Good afternoon Captain Toma and all present!!
Cindy, haven't seen you for a long time! A ham sandwih will be fine.
A quick stop to tell I am back on line after being off since last night. Now the service has been restored, but I have some things to take care of and will be back later this evening.
Approaching Harrisburg, Pa. 1992.
ENCORE! Saturday ‘n Photo Posting Day!
at "Our" Place!
We are CLOSED on SUNDAYs!
. . . November 25th thru December 1st: The Titfield Thunderbolt (1953) Starring: Stanley Holloway, Naunton Wayne, John Gregson & Sidney James - and - Danger Lights (1930) Starring Louis Wolheim, Robert Armstrong & Jean Arthur. SHORT: The Three Stooges - Dizzy Pilots (1943).
<Both features are back by popular demand. Titfield Thunderbolt was shown on Feb 5th thru 11th, 2006 & Danger Lights appeared on Jan 22nd, 2006>
The Titfield Thunderbolt (1953)
PLOT SUMMARY: The residents of a small English village are about to lose their ancient railroad. They decide to rescue it by running it themselves, in competition with the local bus company. Written by Blair Stannard When British Railways announce the closure of the Titfield to Mallingford branch line a group of local residents make a bid to run it themselves, backed by a monied member of the community who is attracted by the complete lack of licensing hours on trains. Unfortunately the local bus company starts to use methods that can hardly be seen as fair competition, to the extent that the whole project is threatened. Written by Jeremy Perkins
The residents of a small English village are about to lose their ancient railroad. They decide to rescue it by running it themselves, in competition with the local bus company. Written by Blair Stannard When British Railways announce the closure of the Titfield to Mallingford branch line a group of local residents make a bid to run it themselves, backed by a monied member of the community who is attracted by the complete lack of licensing hours on trains. Unfortunately the local bus company starts to use methods that can hardly be seen as fair competition, to the extent that the whole project is threatened. Written by Jeremy Perkins
When British Railways announce the closure of the Titfield to Mallingford branch line a group of local residents make a bid to run it themselves, backed by a monied member of the community who is attracted by the complete lack of licensing hours on trains. Unfortunately the local bus company starts to use methods that can hardly be seen as fair competition, to the extent that the whole project is threatened. Written by Jeremy Perkins
Danger Lights (1930)
PLOT SUMMARY: Louis Wolheim plays the boss of the railroad yard in Miles City, Montana. The film opens with a landslide across the tracks in Montana, and a repair crew is dispatched to clear the tracks. Several hobos are lounging nearby and are put to work helping the repair crew. One of the hobos, played by Robert Armstrong, is discovered to have been a former railroad engineer who lost his job due to insubordination. He is given a new job for the railroad in Miles City by the yard boss, but quickly falls in love with the boss's fiancée, played by Jean Arthur.Jealousy grows between the two over the affections of Arthur with both of them attempting to win her in marriage. Things come to a head during a fight in the railroad yard between the two, during which Wolheim is hit by a train and injured. To save his life, Armstrong must transport him in record time to Chicago for surgery.
Louis Wolheim plays the boss of the railroad yard in Miles City, Montana. The film opens with a landslide across the tracks in Montana, and a repair crew is dispatched to clear the tracks. Several hobos are lounging nearby and are put to work helping the repair crew. One of the hobos, played by Robert Armstrong, is discovered to have been a former railroad engineer who lost his job due to insubordination. He is given a new job for the railroad in Miles City by the yard boss, but quickly falls in love with the boss's fiancée, played by Jean Arthur.Jealousy grows between the two over the affections of Arthur with both of them attempting to win her in marriage. Things come to a head during a fight in the railroad yard between the two, during which Wolheim is hit by a train and injured. To save his life, Armstrong must transport him in record time to Chicago for surgery.
Jealousy grows between the two over the affections of Arthur with both of them attempting to win her in marriage. Things come to a head during a fight in the railroad yard between the two, during which Wolheim is hit by a train and injured. To save his life, Armstrong must transport him in record time to Chicago for surgery.
SHORT: Dizzy Pilots (1943)
PLOT SUMMARY: The Stooges are the Wrong Brothers, working on their revolutionary airplane "The Buzzard," which they hope to sell to the Army & thus avoid the draft. When the Buzzard flops, the boys go into the service & have to deal with a fiery drill sergeant.
The Stooges are the Wrong Brothers, working on their revolutionary airplane "The Buzzard," which they hope to sell to the Army & thus avoid the draft. When the Buzzard flops, the boys go into the service & have to deal with a fiery drill sergeant.
<from: threestooges.net>
Enjoy the weekend! Tom
Was waffling with regard to putting these fotos up today . . . slow day, but in deference to our regulars who have been as solid as a rock when it comes to supporting the bar - here's some Branson Scenic Railway fotos!
BSRX 99, Locomotive, 1962 EMD GP30M, rebuilt 1982 (Formerly C&O, #4625)
Budd consist
PPCX 800603, "Silver Eagle", 1949 Budd 60 Seat Coach (Formerly the Eagle from the Texas Pacific Railroad)
BSRX 9540, "Silver Island", 1947 Budd Dome Lounge (From CB&Q, Twin-City Zephyr)
PPCX 800287, "Silver Garden", 1952 Budd Dome Lounge Coach (From CB&Q, Kansas City Zephyr)
BSRX 9320, "Silver Terrace", 1952 Budd Dome Observation (From CB&Q, Kansas City Zephyr)
Branson Scenic Railway
Branson Depot
BSRX 98, Locomotive, 1951 EMD F9PH, rebuilt 1981, has HEP (Formerly B&O, then MARC #83)
Good evening Leon, I think a Keith's and a bit leftover for a round for any late stragglers.
Tom-The snow wasn't too bad it amounted to some frosting on the leaves that finally decided to fall off the tree's in the yardworst thing tha happened is that said leaves are now firmly cemented to the ground by the frost 'n' ice.
liked the nice pictuires from your Branson trip, doesn't seem to be too bad an operation. Nice to see a functioning F , truly the train locomotive of the last century.
Thankfully nio more "high octane" toys have been discovered. Still best to tell Boris not to lick the Lionel set just in case.
Lars-I'd never completely abandone you guys again. this time of year however, I will tend to be a bit scarce ( hazzard of the biz unfortunatly ) Loved the B&O book covers. Allow me to pick up a high octane beverage of your choice the next time you're in
Jan-Some nice steamers thnaks for shareing.
Ron-If you decide to make , a model of 45 let me know. I may be able to get a copy of some drawings for you depending on what you need.
Well folks back with a few pictures for the gang. Here's some photo's of the museum's work equipment,just in case Ron needs more modelling material.
Flat motor W4 built by the shop forces of Toronto Railway Company in 1904
Grand River Railway railbonder M4
Married pair PCC railgrinders W30 and W31
Snow sweeper S37
Ahoy Cap'n Tom ‘n fellow travelers waiting for the bar to open!
Another Sunday ‘n it's really quiet in here. But Boris ‘n the crittAHs are having "at it" as they chase one another ‘round the joint. When you come up for air, don't forget to feed ‘em then you can have that small jar of PPF I left for you behind the bar!
Thanks for the round, trolleyMAN Rob! I'll be sure to take advantage of it tomorrow, but for this CLOSED SUNDAY, I'll just help myself to a mugga Joe then I gotta get a move on.
Today is the 95th Grey Cup Canadian football pro-championship north of the bordAH. Winnipeg Blue Bombers vs Saskatchewan Roughriders. Used to watch those games all the time. Afraid I've not followed the teams for many years, so they are just "names" to me now. I guess that happens, as my guess it's pretty much the same for you ‘n the NFL teams. Anyway, there's a lot of football history up your way. Enjoy the game!
My Jints are squaring off against the Vikings at noon - so ya know where I'll be! Right in front of the tube . . . two of my boys are going to the game. I passed it up in favor of stickin' around here, which the Mrs. appreciates. <grin> Jints are definitely playing for a wildcard spot as the Cowboys seem to be in a good spot for winning the division. <arrrrgggghhhh> Let's Go Jints!
Many thanks to Da Bossman for the pix from the Branson Scenic RR . . . those domes look really <sweet>! Nothing nicer than riding in a "decent" consist of passenger cars, huh Youbetchaboots! It's a good thing that there's still an opportunity for people to experience dome car travel - the old fashioned way! I'd take the domes from back in the day anytime ovAH the superliners ‘n ultradomes of today - hands down.
Two reruns at the Emporium - don't recall having reruns before, but they were asked for ‘n why not!?!?! Good selections, especially for our Brit friends.
Some nice looking traction "stuff" from Rob! I see you're out 'n about the decks on this Sunday . . . chatting it up a bit over on the Cap'ns other thread too!
Thought I'd continue with some more B&O covAHS, then check out to get a good seat for the game!
History of the B&O Railroad
The B&O in the Civil War
B&O Passenger Service 1945-1971, Vol 2
B&O Pictorial Guide to Washington DC
B&O Steam Locomotives - The Last 30 Years - 1928-1958
(different cover than shown yesterday)
B&O Railroad
Royal Blue Line - Classic Train between Washington and New York
Steam Locomotives of the B&O RR
Greetings gentlemen....
Just thought that put a few pics up for Monday morning. I hope that everybody's enjoying a quiet Sunday....
N&W 2-8-8-2 #2175 with a westbound freight train of 120 cars, and putting up a good smoke effect, at Oakvale, W. Va., June 25, 1950.
N&W 2-8-8-2 #2151 here with a 117 car long westbound freight train, near Christiansburg, Va., July 10, 1953.
N&W 2-8-8-2 #2091 seen here plodding along at 40 mph with a 63 car long westbound freight train, near Elliston, Va., August 3, 1936.
N&W 4-8-4 #603 passing by with train #26, The Powhatan Arrow, near Christiansburg, Va., July 10, 1953.
N&W 4-8-4 #602 and train #4, The Pocahontas, near Bluefield, W. Va., June 25, 1950.
N&W 4-8-4 #605 seen here with train #15, The Cavalier, at Bluefield, W. Va., June 25, 1950.
Slid through the mail slot, an 1857 B&O pic and an article by the future editor of Trains.
http://mdhsimage.mdhs.org/Library/Images/Mellon%20Images/Z24access/z24-00485.jpg
Flagler System Motive Power by David P. Morgan (Railroad Magazine, January 1948)
If you're tired of cold weather and freight hogs decorated with Coffin feedwater heaters, domes built to carry sand for a Mallet and not a 2-8-4, and Pennsy banshee whistles, then pack your grip and climb aboard the Florida Special to the land of waving palms and eternal sunshine. Not only that, brother, you'll be in the home country of some of the finest 4-8-2s that American Locomotive ever assembled. Big jobs, with graceful boilers on 73-inch drivers, Worthington feedwater heaters, and long, trim 12-wheel tanks. All this plus a guarantee of no soot, no cinders.
The Line? Florida East Coast. The prime mover? 400-series Mountains. Together, they're the perfect cure for all the railfan's winter season blues. For there is no greater sight in railroading than one of these handsome dual-service Alcos wheeling a fruit block north along FEC's double-tracked speedway at sixty-five per, under an impressive exhaust of oil smoke and shattering sound. Wet, sticky snow may spoil your chances of capturing a Pere Marquette Mike on film in the yards at Grand Rapids, but that won't prevent you from getting a clear print of a husky Flagler 0-8-0, shuffling cars in the sun-drenched garden at New Smyrna Beach. Diesels? Yes, FEC has a bountiful supply of them. But in the winter season you'll find plenty of varnish trade still geared to the flashing rods of reciprocating steam power. And Electro-Motive hasn't yet captured the freight traffic.
If you have the pioneer urge to be another Jim Hill (or should one say, another Henry M. Flagler?), you might be able to ride the hack of a way freight over the road's brand new 29-mile cuttoff, connecting Ft. Pierce with the shores of inland Lake Okeechobee.
Everyone is familiar with the system's bold fight to send its line across the ocean to Key West, a plan executed only after a terrific expenditure in lives and cash. Still surprisingly few know much about an equally fascinating branch of FEC lore, its motive power. The supreme and amusing fact about the Flagler System prime movers is that of the existing engines, built originally for FEC, most are now working for somebody else. You'll find them thundering up through the Feather River Canyon out on the Western Pacific and rolling passenger traffic on the West Point Route. Still others are turning in mileage for the Cotton Belt, and can be seen easing into the Union Station in Dallas with the Morning Star. Across in Georgia, FEC Pacifics are to be found working freight and passenger traffic over the iron of such lines as the Atlantic & St. Andrews Bay, Georgia & Florida, and what was once the independent AB&C--now the Coast Line's Western Division.
Travel down into Old Mexico, and you can focus your Graflex on FEC hogs now working for the National Railways. Fourteen 400-series 4-8-2s went to the NdeM in 1945 alone. Replaced by Diesels in the United States, they're doing much to revamp Mexico's rail network.
Naturally, the Flagler System would like to be operating with a traffic level that required the use of all these engines. If the fabulous Florida boom had never exploded, such might be the case in 1948. But the magic bubble of fortune was pricked, and "The St. Augustine Route" found itself in the unhappy position of being loaded with brand-new motive power--much of it unpaid for--with only a trickle of traffic to support it. Hence, the depression years found FEC selling almost-new locomotives to a score of roads, both domestic and foreign. Introduction of Diesel power crowded more of the 4-8-2s off its books.
The road's current roster represents a well-balanced fleet of steam and Deisel power. It includes two extremely graceful old Pacifics, a single 0-6-0, fifteen Mikes, and twenty-five 0-8-0 yard goats. The popular dual-service 4-8-2 comes in three series of varying dimensions: seven of the light 300-series; seventeen of the 73-inch drivered 400s; and twenty-one of the heavy, husky 800-series.
Twenty-one 2000 horsepower Electro-Motive passenger deisels carry the FEC's tropical color scheme of red and yellow hues. They are made up to A-B-A 6000-horsepower combinations when necessary, to handle the heavier trains that run with twenty cars. When FEC first purchased Diesels, it pooled its units with the Coast Line in through Washington-Miami Champion service. This resulted in Flagler locomotives parading into the nation's Capital and ACL purple-silver power plants easing across downtown streets of Greater Miami. Now each system restricts even the Diesel's long-winded jaunts, and all power is changed during a stop at Jacksonville.
A traffic problem, more or less peculiar to the Florida East Coast, has made the road's neat timetable look more like an enlarged Blue Island folder of the Rock Island's comprehensive Windy City suburban service.
Even the schedule of the Chicago streamliner, hottest daily scheduled train over FEC's 346-mile main line, looks more like the timecard of semi-weekly CNR local. The reason for this type of service (City of Miami, Dixie Flagler and Southwind all make sixteen regular stops down the coast) is simple: each of these intermediate stations does a thriving tourist trade.
The southbound Gulf Stream usually carries racefans for Daytona, folks who want to see the greyhounds sprint at Hollywood, and perhaps a few passengers for the super-exclusive Boca Raton Hotel. To make all these stops, and still keep time, was a problem that brought the Diesels in force. In this motive power, FEC found a prime mover that could accelerate rapidly, maintain high speeds for short distances, and then make the next inevitable resort stop. Some of the Diesels are running up better than 20,000 miles a month. All are shopped at Miami's Buena Vista roundhouse.
Even though Flagler steam power is rather standardized for a road its size, the careful observer will find enough re-builds among almost any class to keep his camera busy. Numbers 819-822, for example, have been equipped with bundle-type feedwater heaters, giving them a sharp similarity to New York Central Mohawks. Another of the series, Number 803, has been equipped with Timken roller bearings on the rear delta trailer and on all tender axles. This big 4-8-2 is now known as the Holy Roller.
But you'd better hurry on down, or by the time you get here FEC may have done a vanishing act, along with the AB&C. With the St. Augustine Route now in process of reorganization, two groups are fighting for control--the connecting Coast Line, and the duPont Estate. Florida East Coast proudly advertises itself as "A Florida Industry and Institution," and the local Brotherhoods and most Floridians want to keep it just that.
Meanwhile, the Atlantic Coast Line points out that greater economy of operation would be achieved by the merger. And naturally ACL would like to enter Miami on its own rails, right along with its jazzed-up rival, Seaboard Air Line.
For the present, Florida East Coast remains one of the South's finest railroads. Its motive power is exclusively oil-burning. it operates a fleet of reclining seat, modern coaches, both streamlined and heavyweight. And it has just finished laying new 112-pound rail down its double-tracked main line, which is protected by automatic color block signals.
But head south, yourself, and view this A-1 carrier firsthand. The road that went out to sea and failed, has done pretty well on the land.
Salutations Tom and fellow brethren......
Just passing by to toss a few more pics to enjoy with the Monday morning coffee. Some spit and polish that C&O had on some of their engines...WOW!
C&O #4-6-2 490 seen here with train #6, Fast Flying Virginian, leaving Cincinnati, Ohio, August 8, 1933.
C&O 2-10-4 #3025 with a freight consisting of 128 cars, in the vicinity of Chillicothe, Ohio, August 16, 1933.
C&O 2-6-6-6 #1629 here with an eastbound freight with only 48 cars, east of Montgomery [i.e. Mount Carbon], W. Va., June 26, 1951.
C&O 4-6-2 #475 resting here with train #2, The George Washington, at the Cincinnati, Ohio station, July 21, 1940.
C&O 4-6-4 #314 and #2-8-4 2729 doubleheading on train #104, East of Huntington, W. Va., June 26, 1951.
C&O 4-8-2 #543 in Washingron D.C., August 3, 1939.
Credit: all above Otto Perry & photoswest...
Evening Gents. i guess I'll just grab a joe as well while I digest today's happenings, fairly busy ones for the closed Sunday.
Lars-Yup, I don't know much more than names when it comes to the NFL, never got into it.We did have season's tickets for the Tigercats for a few years, now I just catch a game or two live and rely on the tube for the rest. I caught some of the Grey Cup game today missed most of the first half due to work It was a good game what I saw of it, fairly low scoring by run n gun CFL standards 23-19 for the Green Riders of Sask.
Nice to see a couple of more books from you on a Sunday !I noticed that teh late great Passengerfan was out and about today , just not here
Silent Mike-Nice to see you out this day , I'll save the reading for tomorrow when the beer and pretzels have worn off.
Jan-Some nice steam in two installments to wind out the day as well thanks
Here's a couple more random museum shots while I wind down tonight.
A fall shot with 2786 doing it's thing.
rail grinder W28 waiting between runs
enjoy Rob
A smile to begin the week!
A nickel ain't worth a dime anymore.
<A Yogi-ism!>
Monday once again at the Watering Hole by the Wayside ‘n time for breakfast! Coffee ‘n pastries are fresh, so let's get orderin' . . .
Saturday - Nov 24th:
Jan (JanOlov) at 9:09 AM: Our Swede residing in Scotland dropped off a bunch of steamers - bought a round ‘n told us about his new book! All helped to keep Saturday rolling along.
Noted that the shot of #50 is quite different from the B&O #50 at the Stl Museum of Transportation <Kirkwood> that we saw during Rendezvous II. Check it out . . .
B&O #50 EMC (built 1935) - First non-articulated passenger diesel. 1,800 hp, two Winton Model 201-A diesel engines.
#50 depicted in your foto is a "shovelnose" - wonder when they changed it Anyway, an interesting comparison, dontchathink
Good foto of the "shovel nose" on this URL . . . scroll down to view:
http://home.att.net/~berliner-Ultrasonics/boxcbo50.html
Lars (LoveDomes) at 11:09 AM: Great to see the Manager providing some material in the form of book ‘n video covers for the gang!
Interesting observation you made - I noticed it as well. Some of our guys just aren't fully "into" this joint <yet>. No problem - as long as they don't forget us entirely - guess that's what we should be hopeful of.
Visiting the other Theads is no major problem UNLESS of course ignoring "Our" Place goes along with it. That definitely IS a <tweetable> offense - Rule #29 I believe! <grin> Let's see if there's any <contrition> from the "offender" . . .
Eric (EricX2000) at 12:30 PM: Having Forums or ‘puter problems Hope things settle down for you. Anyway, thanx for taking the time ‘n making the effort to think about this joint on Saturday - during the daylite!
Rob (trolleyboy) at 9:04 PM & 9:14 PM: Two visits from our Resident Ontario Connection on a traditionally slow Saturday.
Most interesting spate of traction from the man who "knows" about ‘em!
While your leaves are frozen to the ground, ours are just about "out" as I spent another couple of hours picking up <hopefully> the last of the bunch for this season. We have over 30 deciduous trees on our property - say no more, eh <groan> Temps ‘round here are trying to get lower, but we're mired in the lo 40s (F) with light drizzle today. Kinda <yucky> - good day to remain indoors ‘n catch some <fooooooball> on the tube!
Concur with your comments about the "Fs" - when stacked up against the locos of today, there's just no "charm" to the modern diesels. Design went by the boards some time ago, methinks. <barf>
Sunday - Nov 25th:
Lars (LoveDomes) at 9:51 AM: We&
Congrats to the Saskatchewan Roughriders for winning the 95th CFL Grey Cup by beating the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, 23-19 in the championship game played in Toronto!
Time for our monthly feature - Significant Events in Canadian RR History . . .
Significant events in Canadian RR History
during the month of November
<A form of this was initially Posted on 27 Nov 2006, Page 436 of the Original Thread>
Caveat: Much of the information appearing was gathered from internet sources, with credit to "Colin Churcher's Railway Pages" at http://www.railways.incanada.net/
* 1853, November 10th - The Great Western Railway opens its main line between Hamilton to the Suspension Bridge at Niagara Falls. The Great Western went on to build, lease or buy other railways throughout Southern Ontario, and it can be claimed to be the first Canadian system. Other sections opened as indicated:
- 1853, December 31 - Hamilton to London. - 1854, January 27 - London to Windsor. - 1854, August 21 - Galt branch.
* 1855, November 17th - The Grand Trunk Railway opens its broad gauge line from Montreal to Brockville.
* 1856, November 1st - 2nd - The opening of the Grand Trunk Railway is celebrated in Montreal:
- 9 a.m. - general procession through the city. - 2 p.m. - banquet in the large building belonging to the company at Point St. Charles. - 8 p.m. - torchlight procession and fireworks. 9 a.m. (next day) - steam boat excursion to Victoria bridge; inauguration of the new city waterworks. - 2 p.m. - grand military review. - in the evening - grand illumination and ball at the Bonsecours Hall.
* 1872, November - The Grand trunk line between Sarnia and Buffalo via Stratford and London as well as the St. Mary's branch is changed from 5' 6" to standard gauge. The actual work was done in 18 hours.
* 1883, November 18th - railways adopt a standardized system of keeping time that uses hour-wide time zones.
* 1884, November 1st - The Harbour Grace Railway, the first railway on Newfoundland, is opened for traffic between St. Johns and Harbour Grace. The last spike was driven by Prince George, later to become King George V, who was at the time visiting Newfoundland as a midshipman aboard H.M.S. Cumberland.
* 1885, November 1st - First train service established over CP between Montreal and Winnipeg via Ottawa, Sudbury and the Lakehead.
* 1885, November 7th - The last spike is driven in the first Canadian transcontinental main line at Craigellachie B.C. in the Eagle Pass. Van Horne makes his famous fifteen-word speech "All I can say is that the work has been well done in every way".
* 1885, November 8th - The CP special train arrives in Port Moody at Pacific Tidewater, the first railway train ever to travel across Canada from sea to sea.
* 1887, November 2nd - the Canada Atlantic Railway commences using the first passenger cars in Canada to be fitted with electric light.
* 1887, November 10th - Canada Atlantic Railway commences heating passenger cars by steam from the locomotive thus eliminating the danger of fire from stoves. This is the first such use in Canada. The railway completed the conversion of its entire passenger fleet in October 1891 thus becoming the first railway in Canada to use steam exclusively to heat its passenger rolling stock
* 1905, November 24th - The Canadian Northern completes track laying into Edmonton. The last spike, a silver one, was driven by the Lieutenant-Governor of Alberta.
* 1908, November 12th - A formal inspection and opening ceremony took place for electric operation through the St. Clair Tunnel between Sarnia and Port Huron. This ended steam operation which had asphyxiated several crew members.
* 1909, November 3rd - Canadian Pacific officially opens the viaduct on the Crows Nest Pass Line at Lethbridge, 5,327 feet long and with a maximum height of 314 feet above Oldman River. This is the highest railway bridge in Canada.
* 1918, November 20th - By order in Council P.C. 2854 the management of the Canadian Government Railways is entrusted to the Board of Directors of the Canadian Northern Railway Co. On the same day the Government takes over the Canadian Northern Railway and appoints a new Board of Directors.
* 1919, November 2nd - A Canadian Pacific special train conveys the Prince of Wales returns to Montreal from Toronto. Locomotives 2225 and 2231 were used. The Prince ran the locomotive from Fla
Ruth my deAH, the long holiday weekend has come to an end and it's business as usual here at the Tavern by the Tracks. You're presence behind the bar is all I need to know that life is good ‘round here! <blush> A mugga Joe with a "BK splash," and a number three from the menu board if you please. A round for the boyz when they trickle in, treats for the crittAHs ‘n of course that small jar of PPF for Boris, once he feeds the gang! <grin>
Jints LOST a game they shudda ‘n cudda won. Woe is me, Jints LOST! <groan>
I'm having a difficult time with the time of year as it's amazing that we're nearly into December. WHERE have these weeks ‘n months gone <geesh ‘n golly gosh!> Unbelievable! Seems like only the other day that we returned from our first "wintering" down in the Keys . . . <double geesh> And now, Santa is beckoning once again! Fortunately for me, the Mrs. takes care of all of "that," I've nevAH been one to spend a lot of time looking for gifts. Our grandchildren could've opened their own toy store at a point in their lives. Now it's electronics and the costs are staggering. What evAH happened to the simple life with simple gifts
The Mrs. asked me what I wanted for Christmas ‘n I told her one of the Radio City Rockettes would do just fine. She looked at me with <utter disdain> and replied, if you're up to it let me know - I'll get the video camera ready. . . . then call for a defibulator! <ommmmmmigosh> Appears her "meds" are working fine! <grin>
An osbservation from the Manager: I'm seeing more of this unwillingness to acknowledge the other guys efforts 'round here. We've pretty much always had one guy who was like this, now it seems to be spreading. So c'mon guyz, this is supposed to be an interactive place - not a hit 'n run joint. There are many other threads out there to drop 'n go . . . not here. I'm not necessarily speaking of myself - but it does tend to get "old" when day after day a few of us provide the material and it simply goes unacknowledged by those who are supposed to be our customers. Don't get it . . . just don't get it AND don't want it. So if you want me to respond to YOU - then damn it - respond to those of us providing the lion's share of "stuff" 'round here . . .
Enough rambling, I best get to my daily drop of covAHs from the Larsman Mobile for the gang!
Along the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad: From Cumberland to Uniontown
Impossible Challenge II: Baltimore to Washington and Harpers Ferry from 1828 to 1994
Cabooses of the B&O
East End - B&O's "Neck of the Bottle"- Harpers Ferry to Cumberland - 1842-1992
West End - Cumberland to Grafton - 1848-1991
Sand Patch - Clash of Titans - Cumberland to Connellsville and branches - 1837-1993
Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!
Get the Classic Trains twice-monthly newsletter