For those who desire one to "spark it up" with controversy!!!

[railman]

that is interesting...why didn't the porthole windows catch on here in the US?

[Anonymous]

Keep it coming gents, us Brits don't mind one little bit!! Just remember that Thomas is from the island of SODOR which, if you check your maps, is between the Isle of Man and Northwest England (Barrow in Furness). The whole system managed to keep out of the nationalisation scheme that destroyed our railways and as far as I know the fat contoller still rules supreme and he rents Thomas and friends out to the mainland preserved railways for their 'Thomas weekends'. This gives all the kids a chance to have a chat with their favourite engine.
Troy, nice tram mate. I actually live in Marton so the tram is signed up just right for me. I think T Jack is missing the UK, what do you think?
Once again guys, keep having a dig at us Brits and our railways. If it wasn't for us you yanks would still have wagon trains and you aussies would be sending freight and passengers in roo pouches.
Now, where's skippy got to...............[:-,]
Cheers,
Kim
[tup]

[Anonymous]

Hi Captain Carrales
My opinion on this is it comes down to what you are used too as being recognizable as a train..
I find the UK and most Aus trains pleasing to the eye
I dont like the US ones Much Too Much Junk hanging off them I do realise with out all the junk things like brakes lights ect would not work and possably the locomotive would not move.
Thomas The Tank Engine has been around for may years and in the UK is much loved some (Well a lot of) enthusiasts however don't like him they must have forgoten what it is like to be a child and the pleasure and magic he brings to many lives
Besides all children also know every train must have a Little Red Caboose who always comes last..
Thomas looks strange with a red Caboose but children will tell you its the way it should be.
A childs bigest problem is that one day they have to grow into adults with all the prejudeses that go with it.
That must be at least 50c worth
regards John

[tangerine-jack]

We may have to grow old, but we never have to grow up! I refuse!!!!!!!!!

Yes, I do miss the UK. I love the USA, don't get me wrong, but Merry Old England just speaks to my ancestral blood. I can't wait to see another Isle of Man TT race, I love the European concept of racing on real streets! Nascar? Phooey, turn right once in a while!!!

As for Thomas et al, it's great that the whole concept is getting children interested in railroads. Maybe he could go to Germany for a redesign, then on to Japan for a refit, and finaly to Kansas for a long run on a free American rail. That would be cool.

Anyway, US railroads are hands down the best in the world for frieght moving-bar none. One look at Norfolk Southern's roster will show you that. However, Europeans are orders of magnitude better at moving people. I remember riding British Rail from Glasgow to Dunoon, and from Blackpool to London on weekend trips. I found BR to be efficient and easy to use. I don't remember the cost, but it was a very economical way to travel. Amtrack pales in comparison and is in many ways an embarrasment to US railroading.

Oh yes, almost forgot. Hey kimbrit, if it wasn't for the English, we Americans wouldn't have found out how superior we are at everything. I enjoy going to Yorktown (you remember Yorktown?) every weekend and looking at the very spot where a bunch of rowdy rag-tag Yanks spanked the British Empire's hind parts. Did I mention Cowpens? FYI, the sun sets on the Empire right about in my back yard!
[swg][(-D][(-D][(-D][(-D][(-D][oX)]

[Anonymous]

Ah, yes, the Battle of Yorktown of 1781. Now lets not rattle our British Friends too much, they did dominate the world for some 200 years.

I weap for American passenger service, I think it dies of apathy. U.S. Frieght is begining to show signs of age. Much of the Rolling stock is in horrible shape. I've seen pictures of "short lines" and "economical" class II lines of the early and mid-20th century and there was, albiet some weathering, a measure of pride in Locomotives, Coaches and Rollingstock. I miss cabooses the most. The Texas Mexican Railway was the last carrier I saw using a caboose. Not red, but green and orange. Now the Texas Mexican has no cabooses, or locomotives for that matter. They, the locomotives, are all KCS grey!

I think I would have more of a flare for European Railways if I lived them or amoung them. I like the Canadian (Canadien, si vous ples) things that make their way south to us due to NAFTA. The Mexican rolling stock is an abomination!

Which is easier to model, American, Aussie or European...for that matter Asiatic as well?

P.S. The day one grows-up, stops loving cartoons or pursuits of youth, is the first day they begin their trek to the BOX!

[Anonymous]

Hi Capt Carrales
Now how did that drill go Ah yes bite off the ball prime the pan powder down
the barrell spit in the ball ram it aim Fire and dot forget to put the ram rod back in its hoops fire it at the enemy and I will have to ask you to go and get it.
Where are Sharpe and Harper When you need them!!
FORM SQUARE FIX (Pause for effect) BAYONETS!!! FRONT RANK KNEEL.
Nine oclock Gentlemen BAGGAGE TO THE REAR[:D]
Must be reading to many Bernard Cornwell Books[:D]
regards John

[tangerine-jack]

You got that wraped up tight, John! Is that how the Commonweath Forces still do it? You forgot the "pray it's not raining" command! Well, time to put on my wool jacket and tri-corner hat, I think I see a redcoat! Somebody fife and drum me into the battle please! Wait, is that a Brown Bess I see leaking oil everywhere? Maybe it's a Napoleon 12 pounder. Wish I could see, my Lucas torch isn't working.................[oX)]

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by tangerine-jack

You got that wraped up tight, John! Is that how the Commonweath Forces still do it? You forgot the "pray it's not raining" command! Well, time to put on my wool jacket and tri-corner hat, I think I see a redcoat! Somebody fife and drum me into the battle please! Wait, is that a Brown Bess I see leaking oil everywhere? Maybe it's a Napoleon 12 pounder. Wish I could see, my Lucas torch isn't working.................[oX)]

Hi Tangarine Jack
But the mark of a good soldier is the abilaty to fire three rounds a minute in any weather we don't use muskets we use rifles.
I will just go and find that Geen Jacket and shako Bugler sound stand too
wheres that torch[:D]
I think the comonwealth forces use more modern weopons and methods these days
Still have the remenants of a Napoleonic Anglo Allied Army in the book case never did
get round to doing the US army of 1812.
We got beat in that one too.[B)]
Back to trains as i said it all comes down to what your used too
does any one manufacture period millitary figures that would be suitable for a garden railway
regards John

[tangerine-jack]

Good question about the military figures. That brings us right back to "which scale"? I know that 1/24, 1/35, 1/87 and lots psuedo scale figures are available from the toy department. Most I've seen are in the 1/87 scale with a huge selection of armies and eras. Back again to "what looks right". I mean you could use GI Joes if you wanted to. Any good soldier should be well enough camoflaged (camer-flashed as the Canadians would say) so as not to be seen anyway. My own RR has at least 15 snipers crawling around, I can never see them, but I find a dead bird every so often so I know they are there [;)] I also have a "Predator" with his invisible suit in the "on" position, can't never find him either, his suit wasn't made by Lucas Electric.

Sorry to imply the commonweath was still using flintlocks, I stand corrected and am pleased that rifles are now issue items. Don't worry so much about 1812, you guys beat the hell out of the Japanese during their aborted invasion of Port Moresby. [oX)]

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by John Busby

Hi Capt Carrales
Now how did that drill go Ah yes bite off the ball prime the pan powder down
the barrell spit in the ball ram it aim Fire and dot forget to put the ram rod back in its hoops fire it at the enemy and I will have to ask you to go and get it.
Where are Sharpe and Harper When you need them!!
FORM SQUARE FIX (Pause for effect) BAYONETS!!! FRONT RANK KNEEL.
Nine oclock Gentlemen BAGGAGE TO THE REAR[:D]
Must be reading to many Bernard Cornwell Books[:D]
regards John

Well, so long as I don't see the "whites of your eyes" you will be safe! [:D]

[Anonymous]

Hey Jack i think you are living in a little dream world if you think that any US railway nor any railway for that matter, hauling normal freight can compete with the big miing operations. Consists 3 to 5 km long are the norm with 5 up locos and the tonnage looks like numbers out of a telephone book.

If any one asked what was the busiest port in Australia you would have to say Sydney but really it is a minnow compared to Port Headlland in WA. Really they are transporting an entire continent away to Japan and China.

If you can; try to get the figures and you will be amazed at the tonnage and thats what it is all about. Dead flat terrain, with straight tracks and huge automatic loading and unloading of iron ore and other stuff into massive ships.

REeally this is another world and unless you have at least seen it on video you can not appreciate it.


Ian

[Marty Cozad]

Thomas arrives in Table Creek Station

Ol Tom was shipped in just for the kiddys that visit our RR. He is now battery power and thrills the hearts of many.
And yes he takes the siding when 4 prime movers come fling by with a fast container train.

Now i did not read many of the post here, but i do remember a story an older dude told me about the prison camp here in NE that held Gremans. Some of the US railfan gaurds befriended the railfan Germans, why ,,because of the the love of trains.
WHY,, because U.P. main line ran by it with the BIG BOY pulling a 100 car train at 100 mph. NOW that,, will make any person, stare in AH.
Brings tears to my eyes just thinking of it.
BTY, after the war the Germans was invited by the Americans to come over to NE and ,,,ride those Big Boys. Dang, COOOOL.

[Anonymous]

Marty,

Outstanding pics of Thomas en route! I noticed you were very much a diesel man, would you ever shell out for a Big Boy? Does anyone make a Big Boy?

It would be impressive going over that large bridge you have pulling those UP coaches you've posted before!

[Marty Cozad]

Capt
If the Big Boy was in 1:29 th I may be tempted. I've seen the 1:32 in action around 1:22 and 1:24 , 1:29. It just doesn't have the Glory and stand out as it does in real life. ( my personal opinion ONLY) If a RR had 1:32 only then it would be OK. I'm hoping the new Aristo Mallet doesn't have any bugs in its first run, Its a fine looker. The Mike kinda squats alittle to much at the cab.
Whats funny is when I was at Durango, i loved the narrow gauge trains, the glory and power of them. But when compared to a modern prime mover ,I'm drawn to them.
its hard to put into words.
Like I find it hard to see why folks like little 0-4-0 switchers, yet if I lived near a museum where I could help work on and run one, I'd go for it. Know what I mean???
The Aristo Mallet


I can see this engine very weathered or even shiny pulling the U.P. passenger train.[:p]

This is why i bought Thomas

This is what sets GRying apart from the baby scales. BIG, down at kids level. trains at the same level as TONKA... Most of my earier roads were built buy TONKA.
Just the word TONKA set it apart from other toy truck makers.

[vsmith]

Marty, Thomas it looks great. Your going to need a James engine soon to keep Thomas company.

Cappy, MTH is going to issue a 1/32 Big Boy next year to go with the Challenger, which is a very very impressive model, the Big Boy should be more so. It will be about the same price.

As for me I've always enjoyed the smallest engines, Its the prime reason I went to LS. The 8 ton Porter being my favorite and at 1/20 scale I can model stuff like the cab interiors. I dont like idea of the really large engines unless I had a big enough layout to really set them off like your's Marty's. I suppose even if I did I would still stick to the critters and dinky's I like most.[;)]

Bigger is not alway better[:D]

[Anonymous]

[#ditto]

I too prefer the smallest trains but three foot gauge still seems to large for my taste. The little 20", 18" & 15" lines get my blood pumpin' no matter what country they live in.

OLD DAD

[Anonymous]

Goodie, 45 replies in 48 hours...yep, the lull is dead!

Well, I would say that I like a mixture on medium sized to small locos. A well run railroad, in my opinion only, is one that has a variey of engines. For example, some mainline medium engines (to pull passenger and freight) and then a few small things to pull lesser consists with a few switcher for good measure.

I too have a soft spot for large steam and am blown away by diesels (namely Marty's), but I cannot afford them right now so I am basing my N&MRR on something like the small San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railroad of my town. It had numerous ten-wheelers and moguls before it was taken over by Southern Pacific.

[Marty Cozad]

I remember way back hearing of this "outdoor" trains. even saw a LGB loop in a yard cutting through the grass. Wondered,,WHY on earth ,so- so forth.
Anyway i think you smaller loco guys are wise, I always owe on my cards.
I'm so tempted by these new "monster" engines that i lust after them. (for lack of a better word)
The the whole reason i even look at trains is ,,,,THE POWER,,,,, rrrrrrrrrrrrrrr, brut force.
Even when i tell folks will limited space to run only 4 axle engines and 40ft cars so they look good. I would never live by that. Even if i could not run the engine ,I'd buy it and put it on a siding.
When visitors come over the rush for me is (not their oh and ahs) its when those -9s pull the slack out of the Kadee #830s on a long heavy train ,and they strain to get the load rolling.
I remember the first time I pulled 60 cars, I was sitting by the engines and you could see them squat down, bow the couplers and slip alittle,,,then move the load.
MAN, this ain't NO girlly man hobby.!!!!

[Anonymous]

Capt, That's why I kinda like doing the Waynesburg& Washington RR It ran only 2-6-0 Mogul's other than 1, 2-4-0 Porter that was sold by the line for not having enough power and a 4-4-0 that was tested on the line and returned to the builder as unsatisfactory. Make's it simple to model, now I just need a pile of cash for a fleet of Moguls[:D]

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Marty Cozad

I remember way back hearing of this "outdoor" trains. even saw a LGB loop in a yard cutting through the grass. Wondered,,WHY on earth ,so- so forth.
Anyway i think you smaller loco guys are wise, I always owe on my cards.
I'm so tempted by these new "monster" engines that i lust after them. (for lack of a better word)
The the whole reason i even look at trains is ,,,,THE POWER,,,,, rrrrrrrrrrrrrrr, brut force.
Even when i tell folks will limited space to run only 4 axle engines and 40ft cars so they look good. I would never live by that. Even if i could not run the engine ,I'd buy it and put it on a siding.
When visitors come over the rush for me is (not their oh and ahs) its when those -9s pull the slack out of the Kadee #830s on a long heavy train ,and they strain to get the load rolling.
I remember the first time I pulled 60 cars, I was sitting by the engines and you could see them squat down, bow the couplers and slip alittle,,,then move the load.
MAN, this ain't NO girlly man hobby.!!!!

I too, enjoy the power of locos pulling miles of train, don't get me wrong. My dad has a sizable ranch (though moderate), if he ever gives me the go ahead, we will charter the Carrales Industrial Railroad (CIRR) and my first purchase will be a Dash-9. It will be a modern layout, while the N&MRR will be more of the steam era.

You and I can laugh all the way to the poor house! [:D] But at least we will be railroad tycoons (eat your hear out, Sid Meier![:p])

Capt Carrales

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by carpenter matt

Capt, That's why I kinda like doing the Waynesburg& Washington RR It ran only 2-6-0 Mogul's other than 1, 2-4-0 Porter that was sold by the line for not having enough power and a 4-4-0 that was tested on the line and returned to the builder as unsatisfactory. Make's it simple to model, now I just need a pile of cash for a fleet of Moguls[:D]

That's it, you and I are modeling rail lines that are in similar financial states as their owners. Patience is a model railroaders greatest virtue!

Capt Carrales

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by railman

that is interesting...why didn't the porthole windows catch on here in the US?

That's a really good question...maybe we can ask some Europeans and Aussies.

What's up with porthole windows? Is it a regal thing, i.e. like castle ramparts and Mini Coopers? Is it some style thing or more functional in nature?

Capt Carrales

[Anonymous]

It's called difference in cultures.Contrary to US beliefs the World is not America shaped.There is a lot of land out there with different things in it.The reason portholes did not catch on is that some bloke got hold of it and made it American.I think the same applies to films.I find it incredible that in filmworld,the US has invented everything,solved everything and saved everything.
If we had BigBoy or Challenger engines in England there would be no point in steaming them up.Park the tender down south,walk the length of the train and you are in Scotland!
Every country has its own traditions and ideas.(and unfortunately a MacDonalds)
Great Britain has had the highest ratio of inventers of any country.It's just a shame that we can't make the stuff.(look at Lucas electrical systems)
I have a video of all the Aussie railways and I really think Americans should watch it before feeling superior[:D]
Quote"
Since I have never ventured to Brittania would some one of knowledge please let me know, is Thomas the Tank Engine an fair picture of British Railroading? What is the main difference in these "old world" technologies and those operation in America?

Sorry to spoil any dreams but the trains in England do not all have faces and talk.What is this 'old world technology' business.We've been here a long time.Made alot of mistakes (empire included (but still the largest empire in human history))
but still amble along trying to help (now who could that be)where we can.
I know the trains leak but nothing leaks oil like a Triumph motorcycle.You can leave it standing for months knowing that no weeds are going to grow under it[8D]
A quick stir up and I feel better
Troy

[Anonymous]

Hi Troy
They do have faces and talk on Sodor[:D]
Thomas is I think based on a 3F tank engine of the old LMS if not that one of the many others from the U.K I do know for sure not a Brighton Terrier no pagoda roof.
By the way by my reckoning Sir Topem Hat AKA The Fat Controler as made by Ertle (spelling?) is about the right size for most "G" scale layouts bear in mind he is only 4'6" or there abouts tall just watch a video and you will see what I mean.I don't have Thomas but Sir Topem Hat keeps the Line in order
regards John

[Anonymous]

Closest thing I have to Toby. I call it "Sir Frey," after my maternal grandfather who was a model train fan and an early customer of Nicholas Smith Trains in Philadelphia. He belonged to a lodge where it was the tradition to call each other "sir," hence the name.

Regards,
Bill C.
South Jersey

[Anonymous]

Hey John,
We have the Fat Controller along with the G scale Thomas(god bless his little noisy plastic gears) and Annie and Claribel.The coaches have to go in a certain order so my boys tell me.Just down the road from me there is a preserved steam railway where Thomas visits quite often.And I mean the 'real' Thomas.My workplace is right next to the station.If I I told my customers that I was late getting my van out because Thomas The Tank Engine was blocking the road with his transport lorry they would think I was taking the p**..But it's true.Next time he comes to visit I will get my camera out.I'll be the fat controller and if he gives me any lip,I'll punch him.(or enlist help from Diesel.He's usually there as well!)
The result is that my children think (well,they know ) that Thomas is real.They hear him go past the fields near my house.Bugger!
Troy

[Anonymous]

Hi Troy
What brand is the Thomas set I am begining to think I may have to knock
one up from one of the may toys rather than geting a "G" scale train set.
By the way IP engineering do Shelly the tram as a battery powered Kit
no prizes for noticing a strong resembalnse to Toby even comes with the option of a face.
regards John

[Anonymous]

Hello John
The Thomas I have is by Lionel.If Thomas is the usual quality from Lionel I don't think I will be buying anything else from them.I know they also do a James but I have searched everywhere but can't find him.The children love him to bits .At least I always know where he is on the layout 'cause I can hear him.
Troy

[Anonymous]

As far as port hole windows go.... they were used in the U.S. Didn't the EMD F3 have them along the sides of the body. Also there was a gas-electric built by McKeen that had port hole windows all around, front, back and sides.

While some things were invented in the US railroads were not one of those things. If I'm not mistaken the Germans built the first crude railway for a mine of some sort. Then the English are credited with the first locomotive hauled railway running from a slate mine to a sea port.
ALL other railways and railroads came after that and are nothing more than adaptations of the original idea.

Just thought I would point this out since my blood line is over half English even though my ser-name is from Holland. [:D]

May all your weeds be wild flowers.......OLD DAD

[powlee]

We Brits try to put on the `stiff upper lip` whilst being the butt of ex-colonists jibes but as you see from the letters, we have to break cover eventually.
Sure we are a small island so we cut our cloth accordingly. Years ago, our TV was mostly american made shows, now they have to be really good to be given airtime. So we don`t see much of them !!
Through TV we learnt more about the States than americans knew of us. We pioneered air and rail travel but we knew when our time had come. Concorde was a magnificent achievement but it had to be baled out by the government before it could begin it`s magnificent career.
Steam trains were replaced by Diesel but our love for them shows that there are more preserved working steam trains in Britain now than on the last day of steam in 1967.
I holiday in the US regularly. Always enjoy it. You have the room to expand, we don`t. Always try to see as many of your railroads. Standing up at Flagstaff watching the freight go by. Magnificent.
Asked by a resident.
`Your accent, what is it?`
`English`
`You are from England`
`Is that near London?`
Nuff said !!
Cheers Ian P