Been busy today backing up my hard drives and flash drives to DVD's. I moved all my PDF files (with the exception of those I have shortcuts to) to a single directory (nearly one gig) then made a backup of that (including the excluded files) on a CF card and a DVD. So I now have four DVD's of non-encrypted files that I can access without having to jump through a bunch of hoops to decrypt. Now that I have the PDF files in one place it'll be easier to find the one I'm looking. After all that staring at the screen my eyes hurt. I need a vacation! Yeah, right! Don't I wish!
Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running BearSpace Mouse for president!15 year veteran fire fighterCollector of Apple //e'sRunning Bear EnterprisesHistory Channel Club life member.beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam
Good Afternoon...
Little Spring is cuddled up between my arms as I type here...
All we are seeing is a fair bit of humidity and rather milky skies...84 feeling like 95F here...yay.
Went out by our park and got some halfway decent shots of some trains...big trestle here so everything looks up...at the train.... Going to see later on if any turned out decent for Photobucket ...
Any argument carried far enough will end up in Semantics--Hartz's law of rhetoric Emerald. Leemer and Southern The route of the Sceptre Express Barry
I just started my blog site...more stuff to come...
http://modeltrainswithmusic.blogspot.ca/
Heartland Division CB&QJeff ..... Please keep that absolutely beautiful UP SD24 away from Sundown Shops! ...
Good Morning,
A pleasant day up here in Winnipeg but we are expecting some showers this afternoon so I think it will be a lazy day here.
Curt, ah yes computers. Never was there anything invented to cause so much frustration. My own issue is setting up a network between 2 computers. Now it wants a network password which I can't find. Might have to get in some professional help.
Ken, I was glad to hear of Sue's outcome. My wife has had to get them re-done a couple of times but usually it is done while she waits. Not so good news on the house front. I sincerely hope you can work something out with the bank. It would seem to me that as long as you can pay something regularly it would be better for them than to have another house to sell at a loss. If you have equity in your house could you sell it yourself and then at least you would have some funds for something else?
I finally installed those utility poles on the layout and it was worth the effort as they do look good. I may look into Lee's suggestion of the elastic thread but I suspect the lines will remain in the imaginary status. It was a Walthers pole kit by the way. Speaking of Walthers the next project will be their Water Street Freight Station for the N scale layout.
As it is now September, it is now June 1955 on the Mortimer sub and the only diesel in sight is an SW8. I have the Maple Leaf Limited on the mainline now with a K5a Hudson on point. The diaphrams I put on the Athearn heavyweights work well and do look good.
Well time for another coffee and maybe a walk around the neighbourhood if it isn't raining.
CN Charlie
Curt - I guess you mean how to send a PM to someone. Just click on the web name and select "Start Conversation" - that should do the trick.
Can someone tell me how to start a message. I don't see any obvious way to do it.
Curt Webb
The Late Great Pennsylvania Railroad
http://s1082.photobucket.com/albums/j372/curtwbb/
Morning All,
Slept in until 9:30 AM today and feel pretty darn good. Just sitting here looking at the forums. I may attempt another try at JMRI today but not sure. MOH said she would help yesterday (good with computers) but sometimes she has selective memory. We are taking my Mom and Dad out to supper tonight at a really good local Mexican place. I am off w**k until Tuesday because of the new schedule.
Ken- Sorry to hear of your possible changes on the horizon.
Todd- At least you got a break yesterday to recharge your batteries.
Garry- I know it's hard but sometimes the best thing to do is nothing.
Sue- Pictures?
Hope everyone has a good day and prayers for those in need.
Howdy .... Oatmeal & OJ for breakfast, please.
Last several days were filled for me. ... Monday, at the surgeon, he thinks I should wait for the next step. At this time the risk of doing something is greater than doing nothing. I can do things close to normally, so I don't mind putting that off. ........ Then we went to Cincinnati for a few days to see family there. Our son's business is doing fine in spite of the economy although it takes great effort on his part to keep it that way. I'm proud to say he built his business.
I've only briefly glanced at posts in recent days, and I intend to go back and read more carefully. It ius certainly good to see the Diner has been very active!
Looks like Hoosier Month! ,,,, Great! Most of my life, I have lived in states bordering with Indiana, and travel through it often. In my childhood, our family traveled by train from Chicago where I grew up, and trips eastward passed through Indiana on roads such as PRR, NYC, and B&O.
Bill T ... I'm glad to see the historic photos!
Jeff ..... Please keep that absolutely beautiful UP SD24 away from Sundown Shops! ...
John Boy ..... Interesting old time "invention" you posted.
Stan .... I think I have your email address. I'll have to dig it up in a few days.
I needed a "sanity break" last night which means I worked on a model railroad project. I put together three ore cars from old Roundhouse kits. I painted and lettered them for Northern Pacific in honor of Sue & Larry.
Back to non-mrr stuff. We are no longer pet-less. While we were in Cincinnati, Shelley acquired a white cat from an animal rescue place. .... Now that we have made extensive repairs to damage caused by previous cats, we now have a new cat. Here we go again.
Cheers, everybody
GARRY
HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR
EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU
Good morning. It's 75° with 100% humidity. There's a slight chance of rain. It'll be mostly cloudy and the high will be 95° with an index of 105°.Looking at doing some cleanup on the layout this morning. Also planning on backing up my flash drives on DVD's.Other than that nothing much is going on.
Good Morning!!!
Coffee and the Sunday buffet please. Thanks. Oh! Cinnamon rolls! I’ll have one of those too. Thanks Sue!
A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a high near 82.
Ah, the place looks great! Um….what time is it anyway? There’s 2 clocks and they each say something different.
Looks like Isaac is pretty much gone from us now. Every weatherman was predicting any were from 4 to six inches outa this thing. In the end all we got was 2.4 inches unless it rains today.
Stan- That is a good looking layout. Bet our sons love it.
Tom- That was good news about your wifes vision, I hope the surgeons visit goes as well.
Brenda was tired yesterday and she slept most of it away that we weren’t doing something so I didn’t do much on the shower to let her sleep.
Watched “The Hunger Games” last night. Not a bad movie I guess, just like most others I’m glad I didn’t pay movie prices to see it.
Got a few things I need to do before starting in on the shower removal.
Ya’ll have a good day!!!!
Todd
Central Illinoyz
In order to keep my position as Master and Supreme Ruler of the House, I don't argue with my wife.
I'm a small town boy. A product of two people from even smaller towns. I don’t talk on topic….. I just talk.
Morning all. I'll have a short stack of cakes, bacon and a Coke please Ma'am.
My back is killing me. The first thing we buy after she finds a job and we move is a new mattress. I have to sit on the edge of the bed for about 10 minutes just to try to straighten out before I can stand up!
Finally got to see "Unstoppable" for the first time. Sheesh! Hollyweird sure did take its liberties remapping PA on that one. My hometown is 6 miles north of the real Stanton, PA. There used to be a spur of the Pittsburg & Shawmut that went through the real Stanton to a coal tipple there. The tracks crossed Rt. 36 at grade. There were lights, but no gates. As for bridges, well, I can not think of a bridge being on that entire spur let alone a viaduct!
I will say it was a good action flick, but that is about it. Now I wonder why people want to model the fictional AWVR locomotive 777 and not the real deal CSX 8888.
Well, I should oughtta be productive today and maybe put away some camping stuff and clean up the basement.
~Rob S.
Robert H. Shilling II
Good morning, Diners. Chloe, I will have a large black coffee, please. I brought in this pan of cinnamon rolls with lots of frosting. I am sure the guys will go through these quickly.
I started pressure washing the deck yesterday. Now I am committed to that project.
We went to the park to paint yesterday. I guess it will be a while before the Shay is done.
Later, Sue
Anything is possible if you do not know what you are talking about.
Good morning
Everything is all ticketyboo with me here..been crawling through some archived stuff on this here forum...getting some ideas as to why certain things do not like to run here...
Going to be sunny and warm ...high of 84F feeling like 93F .... still no sign of Isaac here...seems stuck? Hope not...
Good Morning All:
Terry, your legs must be sore peddling 120 miles!
Jim, hopefully all will be good to go for both of us.
Johnboy, I contemplate quitting work every morning the alarm clock goes off, I’m surprised it took you this long.
BM1 Lee Soule USCG (ret) L.S.&W Railroad Serving the Lower Great Lakes
Morning Coffee in the diner!!!
GOOD MORNING!!!
Bill has provided the date
There are only 114 days left till Christmas!!!
We often Want our Cake and Eat it too in life and MRRIng, SO:
(you can't) have your cake and eat it/want your cake and eat it too
- (able or unable or want to) achieve or attain both of two seemingly different options - the 'have your cake and eat it' expression seems to date back at least to the English 1500s and was very possibly originated in its modern form by dramatist and epigram writer John Heywood (c.1497-c.1580) who first recorded it in his 1546 (according to Bartlett's) collection of proverbs and epigrams, 'Proverbs'. Heywood's collection is available today in revised edition as The Proverbs and Epigrams of John Heywood. Other sources suggest 1562 or later publication dates, which refer to revised or re-printed editions of the original collection. Heywood was a favourite playwright of Henry VIII, and it is probably that his writings gained notoriety as a result. The English language was rather different in those days, so Heywood's version of the expression translates nowadays rather wordily as 'would ye both eat your cake and have your cake?'. This has been adapted over time to produce the more common modern versions: 'you can't have your cake and eat it (too)', and when referring to someone who is said to 'want their/your cake and eat it (too)'. Whether Heywood actually devised the expression or was the first to record it we shall never know. Etymologist Michael Quinion is one who implies that the main credit be given to Heywood, citing Heywood's work as the primary source. Quinion also mentions other subsequent uses of the expression by John Keats in 1816 and Franklin D Roosevelt in 1940, but by these times the expression could have been in popular use. The word cake was used readily in metaphors hundreds of years ago because it was a symbol of luxury and something to be valued; people had a simpler less extravagant existence back then.
-G .
Just my thoughts, ideas, opinions and experiences. Others may vary.
HO and N Scale.
After long and careful thought, they have convinced me. I have come to the conclusion that they are right. The aliens did it.
Good Morning! from Tipton IN.
Today is September 2, 2012
NKP Steam crane on bridge over the White River near Noblesville IN, IMC Dist. (1940s)
Bill Tidler Jr.
Near a cornfield in Indiana...
Evenin' folks!
Janie, just a cup of decaf for me right now.
Jim, I would love to come over and help you with the wiring on your layout! Think it might a bit far for me drive though... The wiring is one part I can do very well and find to be not a difficult task usually. Guess that is why Electrical Engineer was my first NMRA AP Certificate.
After a whole lot more work than I thought I still had left (found several areas in the yard I had not put in power feeds to or wired the frog yet) tonight, I finally backed the Lakeshores Limited into her berth in the Upper Staging on the SLOW. Only difficulty was one of the 3 axle trucks on the Baggage car wants to derail at the Walthers curved turnout. The inside route is a bit tighter than I figured it would consistently want to stay railed and as her track will be the one by the wall, it should have not had a problem.. I think the 3 coaches have trucks that are not as free wheeling as they should so with a bit of tweaking the problem should be resolved. Only has the problem backing up, but she will have to be backed into staging after every operating session.
Good to see you back, Trent!
Curt, I may give that a try if the truck thing doesn't get it done. May be a good idea for reliability anyway...
I shall be heading to bed soon as I have to be at the museum to be a docent early tomorrow.
Prayers for all in need, and prayers of thanksgiving for those who have had good news recently!
73
Ray Seneca Lake, Ontario, and Western R.R. (S.L.O.&W.) in HO
We'll get there sooner or later!
Time for me to call it a night. See y'all tomorrow.
Evening All,
Back from the wedding and I am beat. I plan on sleeping in tomorrow.
Ray- I had a similar issue with a double curved turnout when I still had it installed. I shimmed the entire outer length of the turnout and it helped getting rolling stock through it.
Hi Guys
Just got back a little while ago from cutting the mother in laws grass and watering it while they have been away. Tomorrow we are going over to my parents for some BBQ and maybe play catch or toss the football around. Before I do that I might stop and pick up Railroad model craftsman, MR hasn't arrived for me yet I usually have it around the 26-29 of the month but nothing, and wont get it until Tuesday at the earliest.
Evenin', Flo! Yeah, had to dash in, in between the waves of rain tonight. I'll have a bowl of chili, grated cheddar and onions on that, and a RBF for drink/dessert, please. Thank you!
Tom (tcwright), great news on your wife's doctor being able to improve things that quickly for her (and I know she appreciates that!). Hopefully, next trip he can do about the same (or maybe even better) for her. Now, have him talk with her (orthopedist?) other doctor...
Rain has moved through here lately, and I think they extended our tornado watch until about 11 p.m. (our time). Bunch of rain moved through about 20 minutes ago - blew down one of the (weighted-bottom) outdoor umbrella stand/tables outside the restaurant where I am currently. Still raining, but not the really dark clouds that we had back then, so I'm thankful for that. Think it may have reached somewhere in the 80's (F) before the rains came through again. The center of Isaac was a bit south of Jefferson City (middle of Missouri) when we were getting some of the first rain clouds coming in, so Isaac hasn't wimped out just yet. Those of you in Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio may want to make sure any lawn stuff is tied down good and proper, though.
Jeffrey, bummer on that brake line getting broken on you (that, and having to wait for the part until Wednesday...). Might be a good couple of days for movie-watching/layout-cleanup/various-odd-projects, if you get your energy back by tomorrow. How full did your lake there get filled, by the way? I recall you said they drained it down before Isaac arrived. Ah, I see you already answered my question.
Ken, good news on your wife's mammogram #2. On B of S, maybe you could keep calling them back until you get a better answer. Sometimes when it comes to banks, greedy is as greedy does... (IMHO...)
Ohmigosh, Galaxy!! I'd better get going on my shopping! That, and also start looking for Todd's card (for All Hallow's Eve, Thanksgiving, Christmas... But hey, Galaxy, hope you all have a great time at Steamtown today!
My brother's birthday (he's 3 years older than me, ahem...) is tomorrow, so I sent him an e-card and gift certificate (he doesn't give me much of any hints, alas), scheduled to arrive in his email tomorrow. So at least I have one of my shopping things (before the Christmas list) taken care of.
Ulrich, I'm likely late on your question, but that price for all the time you put in (and all that your friend gets for the price) sounds about right to me. Nice design, I think, and from those photos, it looks like quite the interesting place at that terminal. Hope you and your guests had a (very yummy and) enjoyable time today! Hey, I'm sure anything that Petra cooks up tastes great. Whether you're a bad businessman, I'd say you are a caring friend.
Ray, from all that you've been accomplishing on your layout revamp, I wish I could afford to have you come help me wire up my layout. I've been having 'oomph' problems (not enough) when it comes to wiring. (Never did learn electrical things that well, and Ohm's law is still rather a mystery to me)
Lee and Curt - for your bone scans to show that you have great bones on each of ya!
Bill T. - that's a neat little depot there; smaller than I would've guessed, but depending on how far back they built it, that may have been the usual size then (of course, it could go further behind the trees/bushes on the right side of the photo). Looks nice, though! Interesting thing about Indiana and their time zone(s).
Johnboy, that was an interesting train, and sounded like it had a lot of safety devices for its time, with the guard rail and all. 100 miles per hour? Impressive! And keeping your health situation in
Trent! Are you still in Texas, or whereabouts are you now? I do recall you from a bit ago. Good to know you're still kicking. What've you been up to recently?
C&O Terry, that sounds like a good price to me (and I don't even know what the Intermountain wheels usually run, either). Good to see you in again, too.
In the last couple of days, I got in a smaller order (mostly detail stuff) - some sinks and toilets (got to have a bathroom or two for all my 1:87th size people to go every once, in a while...), gas pumps, and a pool table and cue rack. Debating about how to use the pool table for a pool hall (or else put it in the corner saloon). Except,I'm trying to figure if anybody makes figures that look like they're shooting pool...Hmm...
Well (starting to fill up about now...), I'll sit here at the Rivet Counter a bit and think on how to locate the pool hall... Flo, could I have a Santa Fe mug of coffee please? Thanks!
Prayers for those in the path of Isaac as it makes its way across the country now, as well as for those in need of healing and comfort.
Blessings,
Jim in Cape G.
Evening, Diners!
MOH and I took a ride on the bikes today, a little over 120 miles. It was absolutely a gorgeous day for a ride!
Talked to Bill Becker at Becker's Model Railroad Supply in New Brighton, MN. He's my not so LHS of choice. Ordered 3 shakers of fine green blend turf(tree foliage) and 2 bulk packs of Intermountain 33" wheel sets( 100 sets each, 50 cars worth! ). All totaled came to $136 and change. The 100 count wheelsets are at $55 bucks!! Try to find a better deal than that,huh!!?? Nearly every other site I've looked the IM sets are $70-80, without shipping tacked on. Sooo, this is a big shout-out to Bill!
Sue, where's the paintings? I forgot who posted the shots of their artwork but they were fantastic! Wish I had that kind of talent!
Church then NASCAR tommorrow.
Prayers for those that need'm!
Terry in NW Wisconsin
Queenbogey715 is my Youtube channel
cudaken Jeffery, is your trailer now a house boat or is the power out? Hope it is just the power. If I have to give up on the house, boy you will get a Big Box!
Neither one. The flood gates were open so the lake hardly came up at all. Even if it did it would have to come up about forty feet just to get to my front steps. That's virtually impossible as the surrounding terrain is lower than that. The highest it's ever come up is twelve feet and at that it was flowing over the top of the dam. That was back in the 80's. The water was about a foot away from my parents house at that point. As for the power we've had some short outages but none longer than fifteen minutes. The power crews were at the top of their game. Any boxes would have to be small, maybe two feet by two feet. I don't have room for big boxes. My trailer is only 8X25 and about half of that is taken up by the layout.
Hi All,
Been awhile since I've been on so pardon if I make mistakes. I've missed the exchanges and fun. Look forward to posting pics of my new layout and getting some feed back.
Trent Bair
Afternoon Tea and Crumpets
last mountain & eastern hogger Although there has been some headway made with some of the health issues here it seems that Galaxy should keep those prayer candles burning as the need is still great. Johnboy out..........................................
Although there has been some headway made with some of the health issues here it seems that Galaxy should keep those prayer candles burning as the need is still great.
Johnboy out..........................................
Johnboy...Will do..now that we are home from Steamtown {with a side stop to the Religious supply store in downtown Scranton for MOH's Ministerial Duties}, the Prayer candle is lit.
Was a day's outing to Steamtown. The back shop tour was interesting. saw the equipment gloosed over usually in action. We spent a good 4.5 hours there with frequent sit-downs, but my back finally gave out and said "no more!" SO we went to the Religious supply store and to Red Robin DIner for a delicious burger there on the way home. A LOOOOONG day actually for me. TIred now so a late afternoon nap is in TALL ORDER!!!
Evening Dinners!
Flo, I am on a liquid diet, Pleases!
My Wife and Susie (Out Of Town Guest) have been out most of the day. Funny how a woman can drive 225 miles and just want to go shopping? Guess they don't have stores in Indianapolis any more! My wife is the same way. Took her to St Paul while I was there for work on a weekend. What did she want to do? Go to JC Penny to see what they have?
Been trying not to think about things today. helps with that!
Have had a good time running the layout. Might as well while I have one.
Jeffery, is your trailer now a house boat or is the power out? Hope it is just the power. If I have to give up on the house, boy you will get a Big Box!
Ulrich, sure glad to see you posting as often as your are!
Time to do some NASA Car Racing, I am driving a 1970 Superbird or course.
Later, Ken
I hate Rust
Calling it a day for today.
G´nite, everyone!
Good Evening!
The party´s over and we had a joyful afternoon, feasting on Petra´s cake and other goodies. Our guest surprised me with an invitation to Miniatur Wunderland () and a book about the Norwegian Flamsbana, one of the most spectacular mountain railroads in the world () . Lots of great pictures in that book!
I decided to stick with those € 50,00 for my wok. My friend, although much better of than I am, also has to turn every cent twice around before spending it and I rather see him progress on his layout later on, than making an extra buck now. I know I am a bad business man...
TTFN!
Afternoon All,
Just got done reinstalling the tortoise with the thicker wire and it seems to be doing the trick. Since I have removed the control panel I mounted the DPDT switch in the fascia board. At least I accomplished something positive on the layout this week. I have a wedding to go to this afternoon (MOH's co-worker) so I will try to check in tonight.
The only time I have ever been in Indiana was as a kid traveling between El Paso and Youngstown, OH for summer vacation.
Tom- I am glad to hear about YOH's eyesight improvement.
Ken- Glad to hear good results about YOH also. Sorry to hear you're still having issues with the bank.
John Boy- Thanks for the history lesson.
Galaxy- Thanks for the info behind our common sayings.
Hope everyone has a great day and prayers for those in need.
Good morning Gang,
Haven't posted much lately, but I've been checking in looking through the windows and back door into the kitchen. And then all of a sudden, overnight the diner was gone and it was one heck of a ride on my bike to get to Indiana . By the way Bill, I like it here as well..
Progress on the LM&E has really slowed down this summer. I have been very busy at work and we have only gone out to our trailer at the lake about four times, stayed over three nights. But I am contemplating quitting work next spring when my youngest son completes Grad school, so should get more tie out there in the coming years if my health holds up.
It has been awhile since I have offered you folks your week-end history lesson, but I found another one of interest. Hope you like it. >> scroll down>>..
The BOYNTON UNICYCLE RAILROAD. Scientific American, March 28, 1891
During several weeks last summer there were in regular and continuous operation, in railway passenger service, the locomotive and cars shown in the lower view herewith presented, the service being between Gravesend and Coney Island, on an abandoned section of an old standard gauge track of the Sea Beach and Brighton Railroad. The locomotive weighs nine tons, and has two 10 by 12 inch cylinders, the piston rods of both being Connected with cranks on each side the single six-foot driving wheel, and the front of the locomotive being also supported by two 38-inch pony wheels, one behind the other. These wheels have double flanges, to contact with either side of the track rail, as also have similarly arranged pairs of 38-inch wheels arranged under and housed in the floors near each end of the cars.
In the upper view is shown an improved locomotive especially designed for this method of traction, and built for use on a street railway of a Western city. It weighs sixteen tons and has a pair of five-foot drivers. The crank is only seven inches in length, and the engine is designed to readily make 600 revolutions a minute, and maintain a speed of 100 miles an hour with a full train of passenger cars. The first Boynton locomotive, described in the SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN in September, 1889, had an eight-foot driving wheel and weighed 23 tons. It proved too heavy for use on the old Coney Island road, although it was undoubtedly capable of making very high speed and easily drawing a heavy train of single-wheel cars on a properly arranged track.
In a true line with, and fifteen feet directly above, the face of the track rail is the lower face of a guide rail, supported from posts arranged along the side of the track, and on the sides of this guide rail run pairs of rubber-faced trolley wheels attached to the top of the locomotive and the cars. The guide rail is a simple stringer of yellow pine, 4¼ by 8 inches in section, and the standards on which the trolley wheels are journaled are placed far enough apart to allow a space of six inches between the contiguous faces of each pair of wheels, thus affording 1¾ inches for lateral play, or sidewise movement toward or from the guard rail, it being designed that the guide rail shall be arranged in the exact line of the true center of gravity of the cars and locomotive. The standards are bolted to six-inch wide strap iron attached to and extending across the top of the car.
The switching arrangement is remarkably simple. In addition to an ordinary track switch, in which, however, the switch bar is made to throw only one rail, a connection is made by means of a vertical rod and upper switch bar with a shifting section of the guide rail, whereby, on the moving of the track rail and the setting of the signal, the guide rail will be simultaneously moved, the adjustment being effected and both being locked in position according to the methods usual in ordinary railway practice.
The cars, as will be seen, are each two stories in height, each story being divided lengthwise into nine separate compartments, each of which will comfortably seat four passengers, thus providing seats for seventy-two passengers in each car. Each compartment has its own sliding door, and all the doors on the same floor of the car are connected by rods at the top and bottom with a lever in convenient reach of the brakeman, by whom the doors are all opened and closed simultaneously. The compartments are each four feet wide and five feet long, the seats facing each other. Only one rail of the old single track was used, as only one guide rail had been erected, except at the ends of the route, for switching purposes, but the width of the cars and motor was such that it only required the erection of another guide rail, for the utilizing of the other track rail, to form a regular double-track road of the Boynton pattern.
The section of road on which this system has been operated is only 1¾ miles long, in which distance the curves are considerable, but, although they are mostly in one direction, the indications of wear upon the traction wheels, and upon the guide rail and trolley wheels, were hardly perceptible. During a portion of the season, when the summer travel to Coney Island was at its height, trains were run on regular schedule time, fifty three-car trains daily each way, carrying from one to three hundred passengers per trip. The regular time taken for the run was three minutes, but special trips were made in two and three-quarter minutes each, including starting and stopping. The daily consumption of coal in performing this service was but half a ton. The great economy of this method of traction is also evidenced by the smoothness with which the cars run, and the entire absence of side motion and vibration, there being no striking and grinding of the wheel flanges upon the rails, as is common on double-track roads. From a seat in the top part of the tender, where one could observe how the trolley wheels followed the guide rail, it was noticed that frequently, for considerable distances, these wheels did not touch the guide rail at all on either side, and when they did approach and bear upon the guide rail it was with a gently swaying movement, indicating no expenditure of power at this point, and apparently having no effect upon the motion of the car. This was, of course, to be expected, in this system of locomotion, when a high speed is attained, and it is upon this point that the claim is made by the advocates of such systems, that in this way only is it possible to obtain greatly increased speeds on railways with the present styles of motors.
Till next time,
from Saskatchewan, in the Great White North..
We have met the enemy, and he is us............ (Pogo)