howmus Evenin'! Let's see how many of you know the difference between the 44 tonner and a 45 Tonner.
Evenin'!
Let's see how many of you know the difference between the 44 tonner and a 45 Tonner.
2000 lbs
Heartland Division CB&Q Here is an EMD builders photo of a Santa Fe F7 ABB taken at LaGrange. If you like F-units and E-units, that is where they were born.
Here is an EMD builders photo of a Santa Fe F7 ABB taken at LaGrange. If you like F-units and E-units, that is where they were born.
I know I've said this many times, but for me, this is how trains are supposed to look.
York1 John
I've mentioned before that in 1978 my wife and I rode the last Southern Crescent to New Orleans from Atlanta. The dining car workers were all in a good mood for their last day of work. The waiter gave my wife this menu. They were guarding all the silverware and plates.
Hello Railfans!
Top of the morning to yas! Wow, sunny and 60F on the thermo-ticker. I dont mind the 60F, but i could do without the blinding, retina singing, optic nerve frying high beam in the sky! HUMBUG!
John York) After i put on my welding goggles and sunglasses i could see that awesome pic you posted of SF #306 et al. I agree whole-heartedly - THATS the way trains should look! (this forum REALLY needs a centerfold!)
And some odd 50 yarns ago, that very look is what bit me into being a Railfan. More than any other livery out there, and Ive seen them all, the Red Warbonnet is by far, hands down, the epitomy of livery design. Id say thats my opinion, but looking at it, i cant see why that isnt a fact!
Concerning Southern's Crescent. The Crescent was pretty much the only name train running thru my neck of the woods growing up. Albeit AmTrak's version by the time i came into being a Railfan. So i never actually got to ride the Southern version. There were other name trains thru the east side of Va., but none of the same stature.
Plenty of nighttime trips (thats when it traveled my area) from the District of Corruption (our nations capital) to Greensboro, N.C., where Id catch a night of sleep before an all day return to DC via one of Southern's steam specials. IE: 2716, 611, 1218, the next day.
I have NEVER ridden an AmTrak where the staff was not profressional, courteous, helpful, and exceptionally tolerant no matter what name or number the train has. Today they may frown fervantly at dutch door riding, back then all ya got was "Hey, what you doing?" - "Im a Railfan, and Im doing what Railfans do." - "Well, theres tunnels on this line and youll never see one coming... dont stick your head or hands out, be careful!" - "Thank you sir!".
One can only imagine what Pullman service was like first hand beyond that. While i didnt get any menus, silverware, or the like... i did walk away with hair full of cinders, a face like a reversed racoon (goggles ya know), a few pics, and some very fond memorys of steam on the Southern.
As some are envious of those who have been fortunate enuf to have placed hand on throttle, those too can be just as awed by something as simple as the pleasure of dinner on the "Crescent". Indeed i am sir!
GE Switcher delima) Now being an EMD guy, i never really payed much attention to the GEs, especially the switchers. So i was really looking forward to the answer of the diff betwixt 44t and 45t. 2000lbs seems like the 'sarcastic' answer ID give, but that cant be the only diff... really? Learn me something today, please.
Critter Dave) Excellent job so far! Love the pic postings. I had to do a double take with enlargement on the pic "Lake MI in the background, freight terminal on the right".
If you look in the middle of pic Id swear I saw King Kong hanging off one of the roofs! Before much longer itll be "I swear thats Bath & Hammondsport" when its really Wisconsin Central!
See what sunny days will do to your eyes!
Yall have a wonderful evening.
Clear Ahead!
Douglas
Hey folks - one more thing. I need a bit of help from you guys. Especially those from the paint department.
Ya know that flatcar project im doing? Well, im at the point where i want to test paint a few models. My delima is i dont have a/the new spray rig yet. And since its just a test, i was considering using rattle cans. Should be a quick and simple fix for my paint deparment not being up to snuff.
So, where the help comes in is this... I havent used them before (for model railroading) and have no clue "who" would make a decent spray. Or "Who" even makes the colors i need. Which would be - Caboose Red, Boxcar Red, Pullman Green, Freight car Black (not steam black), Roof Black, and a good red wine colored Red. A light grey wouldnt hurt either.
If one company makes pretty much all those- great. Who are they? Do they offer small cans?
Id ask out in the real world (post a thread) but id be reading the same names that are in here anyways. Thanks for the help folks- much appreciated!
PM RailfanGE Switcher delima) Now being an EMD guy, i never really payed much attention to the GEs, especially the switchers. So i was really looking forward to the answer of the diff betwixt 44t and 45t. 2000lbs seems like the 'sarcastic' answer ID give, but that cant be the only diff... really? Learn me something today, please.
Actually I posted the answer a page back..... The 2000lbs is not the answer... It was a few lbs off from that. The major difference was the 45 tonner had side rods as only one set of drivers was actually powered. The 44 tonners only needed to have one person on board as it was under the weight of the requirement to have two crew in the cab back then. I file stuff like that under little known and completely useless information unless I am out at the museum when we are open and I get to spout all kinds of "stuff" like that.
The little engine is a sweet runner and I hope that when we open later this year she will get to pull some trains.
OK, here is another one for you guys...
"Lehigh Valley No. 211 was originally built by Alco for the Pennsylvania Railroad in December 1953 and was delivered as PRR 8445. It is unique in that it has a raised short hood used to house the dynamic brakes and a steam generator for heating passenger cars. For obvious reasons it soon got the nickname “Hammerhead.” It is the only survivor of a group of five RS-3s built with a high short hood for PRR and Western Maryland Railway, and one of only a handful of surviving Conrail rebuilds where the Alco prime mover was replaced with an ???" (You might know if you were paying attention to another post I made a while back.)
73
Ray Seneca Lake, Ontario, and Western R.R. (S.L.O.&W.) in HO
We'll get there sooner or later!
Did I see some Stratton & Gillette equipment featured in the April issue of M-R?
Nice to see one of our favorite Diner patrons recognized
Cheers, Ed
Ray, a GM 567 ?
CN Charlie
CNCharlie Ray, a GM 567 ? CN Charlie
Yep! An EMD 567B to be exact. I can remember several old train employees coming to the Museum during Diesel Days when we would have her up and running. They would get this funny look on their faces and say, "she just doesn't sound right!" LOL
gmpullmanDid I see some Stratton & Gillette equipment featured in the April issue of M-R? Nice to see one of our favorite Diner patrons recognized Cheers, Ed
I think this is really great! I can now say that I know someone who made the big time -- actually published in MR.
And, it's a fun thing to read, too!
Kevin, congratulations!
Just got my currant Model Railroader tonight.
Loved your article Kevin! Sweet!!!
TF
Thanks guys!
Mine has not come in the mail yet, but I am excited to see it.
Finally... 12 contributions to get one in! (actually 1.15)
-Kevin
Living the dream.
I enjoyed this little video production:
I was fortunate to have been along for several private car runs in and out of Chicago. Great memories. Glad I did it while I could, sadly I don't see much future in it.
One of the cars I got to work on was an ex Nickel Plate 10-6 Pullman, sold then to Illinois Central and renamed Cynthia (all I-C 10-6 were named for "C" cities on the route) The paint and lettering on these cars remind me of this.
A story about the Pullman, Illinois area:
I have a pass to tour the factory but, for some reason, I didn't get there in a timely fashion:
Pullman_Pass_0002 by Edmund, on Flickr
Wow, a hundred thirty-seven years old!
Here's another Pullman Company pass from my collection:
Pass_Railroad_0010 by Edmund, on Flickr
This is only to occupy the Pullman space. The holder would still need a railroad pass or to buy a ticket.
Regards, Ed
Thanks for the video Ed.
Our stop in Chicago would hardy be complete without visiting a train station or two. Chicago has had a total of six major stations.
Union Station:
Here is the Wikipedia blurb if you are interested:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago_Union_Station
The original:
Union Station in the old days:
Dearborne Station ceased rail operations in 1971:
Dearborn St. Station:
Cool streamliner at the bottom of the picture!
Grand Central Station:
LaSalle St. Station:
The original LaSalle St station:
North Western Depot:
Three generations of Chicago stations. Not sure which is which:
Lake St. tower:
What diner manufacturer should we do next?
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
Wow! That was great stuff, Dave!
Now, about that streamliner. Whatever is it? After enlarging the photo, I don't think I've ever seen a photo of anything like that upper smokebox fairing. I really hope someone can give some info on what this was and maybe even another photo or two of it. I do note it was coal-fired.
Other interesting things here, too. A Central of Georgia coach on the left. In Chi-town? Trucks in the distance have styling that seems to fit maybe the late 30s. But there's no diesel power anywhere. Wonder when the photo was taken.
Thanks again. The diner has been really fabulous these last few months. It's evident that the 'Net is getting a real workout!
John
Ed,
I don't know how I managed to do this, but I totally missed the two videos that you posted on the bottom of page 1 covering the rebuilding of the Pullman Headquarters and the history of dining cars. They were excellent!
Thanks,
Attuvian1Now, about that streamliner. Whatever is it?
https://www.flickr.com/photos/railphotoart/25558956371/in/photostream/
https://chuckmanchicagonostalgia.files.wordpress.com/2015/01/photo-chicago-train-grand-trunk-and-western-streamlined-steam-engine-6409-1948.jpg
"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."
I wasted away an entire day. We had a "cold" front go through around noon, it rained for about an hour, and the temperature dropped to the low 70s. My wife and I spent the day cuddled on the couch watching nonsense on Netflix.
It was a great way to waste away a day.
The World Is A Beautiful Place.
Here she is again:
Grand Trunk Western #6409:
A sister #6408:
And another one:
Made by Lima in 1938.
This is slightly off topic but who cares!
Good morning all. The Heavenly watering can is busy.
Dave, TF & Garry. Thanks for your concern. As for been a good husband? Just looking after my 'best mate' like she does for me.
Dave. Great pictures. Thanks for posting
Kevin. You have made it in M R. Fantastic. Someone might send me a copy.
I am been told to 'run some trains'. "After making some coffee."
Coffee time. With some Cherry Pie I made yesterday.
Thoughts & Peace to All who Require.
David
To the world you are someone. To someone you are the world
I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought
Good morning.
gmpullman Did I see some Stratton & Gillette equipment featured in the April issue of M-R? Nice to see one of our favorite Diner patrons recognized Cheers, Ed
i just saw it. Kevin, good to see your S&G in MR. Very clever.,
GARRY
HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR
EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU
Good Morning All,
Just getting a regular to go then going Zoe.
Ed - thanks again for the two month tour. Really excellent work.
Dave - you are doing a great job on the Pullman thread. Much appreciated.
My thoughts are with those of you recovering or trying to help others recover from health issues. I did manage to get my first shot of vaccine. The state web site is a disaster but once at the site the folks there (all volunteer fire folks) were superstars. Organised, efficient, professional. Shot went well and no side effects so far. Catch y'all later, way too much going on in the shop. Ciao, J.R.
South Island by J.R. Mitchell, on Flickr" alt="" />
Good morning, diners. No breakfast yet. I'm getting off the dining car to go get my second vaccination. I'll catch up with everyone at the next stop.
One daughter who has gotten both shots said she did not feel well for a day after. Small price to pay for the protection.
Good morning
I'll have the kippered Herring on toast with scrambled eggs off the New York Central Lines menu for $.65 cents this morning please, Thanks. If anyone else would like an order, I'm buying. With exception of Douglas who made himself very clear once, that he doesn't eat that sort of thing
Lots of great Train Stations to admire here this morning, Thanks to our good host Dave Also, I always enjoy the videos Ed.
Seems to be a pretty popular Steamer here. I've never seen that one before, then again I haven't seen a lot of RR images that are posted in the diner. But that's what keeps things interesting around here
Not alot going on for me today. I got my layout cabinet stained last night that should have been done outside last fall, instead of over the carpet with a tarp tucked under I let the stain on the cabinet doors dry over night down in the Boiler Room and brought them up this morning.
I need to go to Menards to get some adjustable hinges now. I have a $47 dollar in-store credit left but I don't know if that'll be enough? Those things are spendy! So far starting from last fall, I've basically built this project for free from store credits
I need to stop by Scale Model Supply and exchange one of my Twin Cities & Western's that had a front right railing missing. Good thing I noticed that before my brother's birthday.
Have a great day gentleman
Mornin'......
Kevin! Welcome to the club! Congratulations on being published. I will read your article as soon as I get the issue and have a few minutes (or more) to see it.
I have found out I will be getting my Author Certificate in the NMRA as it has passed muster with the Region. You have to come up with a total of 42 points to recieve it. Turns out Model Railroader being a National Publication I could get a lot of points for the article I managed somehow to get published. That totalled 40 points for the certificate all by itself. A few Local Division columns and a couple handouts for clinics I presented gave me way over the required amount.
Kevin, if you are a member of the NMRA and have not earned it, do look into getting your Author Certificate.
Again Looking forward to reading your article! Congrats!!!
Thanks, guys, for the pics of the GTW 4-8-4s. I'm gonna suppose the distinctive vaned front was proprietary for GTW from the Lima Works. One photo seems to show that it could pass air flow. Exhaust management?
Just returned from getting the second shot. Look out world, I'm back out in public.
I hope you guys up north appreciate this. On my morning walk, I counted 42 million geese flying over. I made sure not to let them stop here -- I told them they were wanted further north. They sure made a lot of noise going over.
In December, 1989, we had just gotten off the City of New Orleans at Union Station in Chicago. We were waiting to get onto the California Zephyr. The station was being remodeled, and there wasn't any heat. We ate at one of the stands wearing our hats and gloves. Sorry about the blurry picture. Taken with a $4 camera!
Good morning all from a dry O/C West Coast.
I have been soaking up the wealth of info being posted here, thanks, Dave and everyone. It is nice to have so much RR education just dropped in your lap to consume.
NZ had a big shake, not to close to Bears cave but hope all are OK up the top of the world.
Finally had some time to speed match my Rapido FP7s and B unit. They are now pulling as a team. I think if I ever have the time speed matching with the 28 speed steps would be the cat's meow.
The kids have been writing exams this week, so not much floor work going on as quiet is the name of the game.
The kid is winding down his work on the covid front as the vaccines have come online. He finished up by helping work the numbers on the world distribution of the vaccine with the countries hardest hit getting the greatest share first. That is the fastest way to knock the thing down world wide. The kid was not a superstar in math but can glance at data and answer questions about it without hesitation. That was his main job in these high-level meetings he sat in on. Glad it is wrapping up as he needs a lot less on his plate.
Kevin, congrats on the MRR contribution, better be careful it might lead to a job at MRR.
The grass is growing like crazy, I wish it would wait a bit as finding time to cut it is a problem right now. I might have to enlist the daughters' help, she used to do it but it has been a while.
Time for the bike and then I have to take the boss to a medical appointment, hopefully, some more train time later.
All the best to all.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
Good Morning,
Snow shoukd start melting today. We are expecting a heat wave of 50F over the weekend.
Kevin, congrats on your MR publication. That breed of fly sounds dangerous.
That streamlined GTW Northern comes from a CN design that actually used a wind tunnel in the design process. CN built 5 U4a class in 1936 and then GTW did 6 U4b in 1938. They differed in stack area but otherwise were the same. Supposedly this engine is on Rapido's list.
Good Afternoon all,
Yes, I recognized that GTW U-4b. The streamlining may have been designed "in house" I'm not sure but I do remember seeing one in storage at Durand, Michigan in the '60s.
Rapido had the engine on it's list of "coming attractions" —
https://rapidotrains.com/content/icons-canadian-steam
Hope I live long enough to see it. I have a fondness for CN/GTW steam.
6218_Chatham by Edmund, on Flickr
6218_Chatham-cab by Edmund, on Flickr
I'm off to Menards to pick out some tile for a tub surround.What fun!
I got to eat in a Dome Diner once in my life, but it sure was a memorable time
UP_Dome-Diner by Edmund, on Flickr