York1This will sound strange, but I don't have a chair at my work table. I like to stand there working. I don't know why, but that is my most comfortable way to work.
Hi John,
I envy your (and anybody's) ability to stand for long periods!!!
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
Sushi was good tonight, then again it usually is. Living on the ocean means fresh when it comes to seafood.
Well, Ed, I got my bottle, not the Manchester United special but it will do.
I suggest we all raise a glass for Brakie at an agreed-upon time.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
BATMANI suggest we all raise a glass for Brakie at an agreed-upon time.
Excellent call, Brent
Rest in peace, Brakie.
Chivas by Edmund, on Flickr
Regards, Ed
Here here! To Larry, Brakie!
I have Crown Royal Black, or J Henry bourbon, a product of WI.
I caught the CN heritage unit for the WC today, at Midway siding, MP 80.06.
A bit blurry, I have an old Cannon SD750, set on full zoom, and holding it, no tripod.
Pulling back on the main, continuing it's SB journey to IHB Norpaul yard, Franklin Park, IL.
Loaded potash. CN train B790.
Mike.
My You Tube
Mike ..... I like the photo of CN heritage unit for WC. ... I have seen pictures of CN heritage unit for GTW (blue, red, white), and like it too.
..Being in Kentucky, I suppose I should choose bourbon. There is a brand not far from here called Casey Jones Disillery, and that may be appropriate.
....
A couple more pictures from the British Ry Museum.
The Mallard set the speed record for steam locomotives. In the 1930's it went about 115 mph. ( I don't recall the exact number, but it was close to that.)
I did not keep notes of this engine. It looks like it was built for speed. Maybe about 1900. Notice, there is no cab. Engine crews must have had to endure weather as they worked.
Everybody......... Have a nice night.
GARRY
HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR
EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU
Here's to Brakie and all the others who have gone before him. May they all rest in peace.
I'll toast them when next I sit down with something special. Perhaps a Rusty Nail or maybe a bottle of old Port.
Brakie was a C&O Man as I recall. Well, he'll be remembered on my layout every time his train passes by —
Brakies_crummy by Edmund, on Flickr
The boys at the car shop cleaned her up special just for him.
Brakies_crummy_crop by Edmund, on Flickr
Here's to you good sir!
Kevin. A friend of ours clued us in to Tito's vodka. I never thought there was much of a difference in vodkas until ... WOW! Good Stuff
Rememberance----
A salute to Brakie, as he Crosses the Bar.
No pictures of bottles with labels, my mason jars do not have them. Black Beauty apples and cinnamon sticks in the last run, Apple Pie, very smooth, only applied in small amounts----
Another Easterly Gale tonight. Wind NE X E 3/4N, wind well over 50, and it is snowing 2-3 inches per hour at present. All three dogs whiz on a quick walk in the snow, and then right back onto the deck under the roof.
Earlier the lights in the bathrooms went out, both are on a GFI breaker. Went into the basement, both sides were flooded, drains not working. The South drain empties into a culvert under the road to the cove, had been filled with leaves from the large maple across the road, dug everything out with a post hole digger, the North drain had plugged with soil that had washed down since the last time I cleaned it around eight years ago. It could not have rained much harder while I was doing this. Reset the breaker, no reason for it to trip. It is 25A, the line is 10 ga. wire, only the bathroom lights, exhaust fans, and the deep freeze are on it. There was a flicker of the lights just before this happened, so that may have caused it. In the grand scheme of things it is well that it happened, or I would have never found the basement flooding. It cannot get any deeper than three feet before running out the cellar door, one advantage of being built on a hillside ledge. Below normal temps. this next week, and scattered flurries---it is December.
Yesterday fixed the tire and chains on the snowblower, moved it up under the roof on the deck, repaired some siding on the second floor that had blown off in last weeks storm, moved some of the junk around in the garage, and brought in enough fire wood to last for two weeks. Last night I did not have to do the "Old Man Dance" the 2-3 times those of us over 75 have to do at night. Slept for nine hours straight, amazing---
Started breaking in a KATO EMD F7 A/B engine set. Very pleased with how they run, smooth, very responsive, and power to spare. I have over a dozen NIB engines yet to be run, am planning to do this over the winter months. Several I have had for over six years in a drawer, and am digging them out. All the surgery I had to have this past year really screwed the pooch as far as work here on the house. The facia and sofit replacement was put on hold by the two proceedures I had to have on my heart, still have an anurism repair on my abdominal aeorta to go through at some point in time, March is a good time for such things, (mud season)
Each day that I wake up, and everything is still attached, and headed in the same direction----this is a good day....when the sun comes up in the morning, I will either see it, or be part of it.
Hope all are safe, warm, dry, fed, and prayers for those in need.
From the Island
herrinchoker
gmpullman I never thought there was much of a difference in vodkas...
"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."
Well, please don’t tell herrinchoker that I’m sitting here in a singlet and shorts, current outside temperature 58F with a 4 knot SW!!
Ahh, how much we all appreciate spring!! In the fall my wife and I would be shivering at 58*F, but after a cold winter that temperature is a welcome change! I'm looking forward to sitting on the deck in 58*f temperatures. That will be in about five months, hopefully.
Actually, we regularly bundle up throughout the winter and sit on the deck enjoying our propane fire pit. We barbeque regularly in the winter too, and the hot tub is wonderful when it's snowing. Hey, we're Canadians eh!
Cheers!!
Good morning all from a rather dull looking, wet England. It was forecast to be sunny?
So, no wonder Chivas Regal is difficult to buy in the U.K.. It is all in the U.S.A..
It is Grandson Number 2s birthday today. He is seven years old. As we are in the vulnerable group regarding Covid we cannot visit him as we would like. Therefore we shall do a 'drive past' and deliver his present.
I shall be back later with tales to tell. The 'Ghost Trains' that run here in the U.K..
Meanwhile here is a film on the Wenseydale Heritage Railway. Railway Companies pay W R to run trains to Redmire.
London North Eastern Railway Class A4 locomotive 'Mallard'
Enjoy!
David
To the world you are someone. To someone you are the world
I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought
herrinchokerStarted breaking in a KATO EMD F7 A/B engine set. Very pleased with how they run, smooth, very responsive, and power to spare. I have over a dozen NIB engines yet to be run, am planning to do this over the winter months.
I think I have 8 or 9 twenty year old HO scale Kato/Stewart F units that have never been out of the box.
Looking forward to breaking them in... I love the way these run.
Vodka: The only ones that I have tried that do not taste like gasoline to me are Tito's and Opulent. I can't tell Grey Goose from $2.00 rot-gut.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
Good afternoon all. We saw our grandchildren and daughter and Son-in-Law on a drive past. Great to see them. They bought us two Christmas Dinners in a pie, so that is our dinner sorted tonite.
Thanks guys for your comments over the videos etc. A number of Heritage Railway lines are a 'lifesaver' to the community they serve.
Hi der5997. We have been past Crawcrook many times taking the 'scenic route' to and from the North Tyne Valley. I do not know if Lee's Bakeries are still there.
Ghost Trains. Are sitting comfortably? A glass of your favorite 'tipple'. Then we shall begin.
A few years ago back in the distant past we wanted to travel from Newcastle Upon Tyne to Southampton. A ship to board you see. Upon looking at the train timetable for the date of our departure we find that there is a train departing every two hours. The first one at 10.00am; the last at 4.00pm. Four trains that day.
Our departure date was just over three months away. Book now for seats on the journey was the order of the day. A telephone call was made to the booking office in Newcastle.
"Bookings for those trains are not being taken yet, Ring back next month," was the reply.
'Strange', I thought. Normally tickets can be bought up to a year in advance.
I rang the following month.
"Bookings are being taken on Monday, 9.00am," came the reply.
As any clock in the U.K. struck 9 I had an answer on the telephone, "British Rail. How can I help?"
"I would like to book two tickets on the ten o'clock to Southampton on the date of our travel please."
"Fully booked," came the reply.
Taken aback at the reply I asked about the noon departure. That was fully booked as well. So was the 2.00pm and 4.00pm.
Upon enquiring how come all the trains are fully booked I found out the trains were 'Ghost Trains'.
The Government (of all Parties) state that train companies must provide a service to run from A to B and the Government will provide a subsidy. Therefore the train company says there are trains running the stated service and print them in their timetables. Off course nobody can buy a ticket 'because the trains are full'. The train company pockets the subsidy and the passengers have to travel on other trains.
Now you can come from behind the sofa or wherever you are hiding.
Another film of A4 Pacifics
Thoughts and Peace to All who Require.
NorthBritUpon enquiring how come all the trains are fully booked I found out the trains were 'Ghost Trains'.
Well, I know a certain ficticious railroad that just got a new and interesting back-story!
been past Crawcrook...North Tyne Valley
"There are always alternatives, Captain" - Spock.
Normally the streets of Beamish Open Air Museum is really, really busy when Santa visits.
Thanks to Covid the scene yesterday he arrived.
My son had the pleasure of driving him round the town
Heartland Division CB&QMike ..... I like the photo of CN heritage unit for WC. ... I have seen pictures of CN heritage unit for GTW (blue, red, white), and like it too.
Thanks Garry, I tried to get a full broadside shot, but the camera was still zoomed in all the way.
I always thought Larry (Brakie) worked for the RR at one time, but his obit says he was a security gaurd for nearly all of his life. No mention of a RR career.
Happy Sunday everyone, carry on!
Does this make me a "post hog" ?
Just had this sent to me, thought I would pass it on.
Santa made a special appearance in East Troy, WI. last night, he came into town on the ETERR,
https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/christmastrain
mbinsewiI always thought Larry (Brakie) worked for the RR at one time, but his obit says he was a security guard for nearly all of his life. No mention of a RR career.
Mike, reflecting back on what Brakie talked about over the years, I always thought his RR career was only 8 to 10 years and he may have been a victim of layoffs. I am certainly speculating about this from all the snippets of info over the years. I hope someone comes along and can set us straight about it.
The kid woke up quite sick this morning and his heading over for his Covid test, no lineups here to deal with at least. As a precaution, we have cancelled the cabinet install tomorrow as well as the visit from the insurance adjuster. Our fingers are crossed. Puppy pickup is on hold, just what we need is to have seven energetic puppies for a few weeks longer while we are in quarantine, if that happens.
All the best to all.
mbinsewiSanta made a special appearance in East Troy, WI. last night, he came into town on the ETERR, https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/christmastrain
Is there another site with this? I quit Facebook years ago. They used to let me view things even without an account, but when I just tried, it said I had to log into Facebook to view it.
York1 John
York1 it said I had to log into Facebook to view it.
I didn't know that John, I'll see if I can find another way.
Try this, it's a link to their site, with the Christmas Parade Train, pictures, and a video:
https://www.easttroyrr.org/christmas-parade-train.html
The action and the pictures are just down the street from me, about 2 blocks.
gmpullman Chivas by Edmund, on Flickr
Its prolly my imagination, but I swear, with a few sticks under that bottle, Id be looking at a water and coaling tower.
And this.....
quote user="gmpullman"]
[/quote]
Im a C&O man myself.... (cant imagine why ) .... and this looks dog gone good! Aside from a kid just getting caught with his hand in the cookie jar, who doesnt like a Red Caboose? Especially with your name on it. I think this is really cool Ed.
Hello Railfans! Top of the day to ya!
A balmy 60 degrees graces the landscape today along with our ever present light bulb in the sky. A rather pacingly average Sunday rolling along here. The ideas are liesurely on how to spend it aswell.
Waiting on parts to come in, in the next week or 30, before i can do much more on the workbench. As you guys know, theres always something to do there.
I have a few questions for our British Railfans seeing how were parked smack dab in the middle of. Ive been watching alot of the videos posted, and just studying railroads in general you see alot more streamlined steamers there, than your US counterparts. Atleast, it seems that way to me.
I was wondering what your shop folk think of that maintenance wise? While we all know they are just panels, cowlings, and coverings that can be removed... some of the "A4 Pacifics" i watched above look so sleek as to have one piece molded shells. Over 90% of the loco! It'd take 2 days just to peel that puppy open to the innards.
Ive always been impressed by the pride you folks take in your passenger trains. Im sure one or two has to exist, but ive never seen a dirty one! In the same video (A4 Pacifics in heyday - above) @ 1:20, we see #60003 clipping along pretty good with a freight.
Notice the tender? That aint steam! Now, i dont know this, and thought it was an American railroads thing only, but do you folks use track pans too? I cant see between the rails in the video well enough to tell.
The video does look odd here. Notice as she passes by, the water isnt shooting from under the center of tender (like a U.S. tender with scoop would), but rather... its like they are dumping water. The whole rear truck is just getting deluged along with that first boxcar, er wagon, as I think you folks call them.
It would make perfect sense you folks using track pans too, but I have never seen them in your photos. Im sure I could google this, but Id rather hear it from a British Railfan.
Ive never really studied foreign railroads, theres just too much to learn about our own. I will admit though I do praise you folks proudly for your attitude towards mainline steam. Even having a Royal Train. All we do here is commondere an Amtrak car. And I think thats only done for campaigning. Our boss flies to the country estate.
Stripping a few changing the subject....
Can you imagine if a Railfan became the head cheese taster of this cracker farm? my first order would be mainline steam is mandatory (to a degree, im not THAT crazy).
Id declare it the next highest crime 2nd only to murder..., to dismantle, scrap, or otherwise take out of use ANY railroad equipment with a specialty clause in there for steam.
Id declare dutch door riding allowed on Amtrak. Id set up a National Railfan network in a partnership with railroads. We get to Railfan - SAFELY and unhindered (to include cab rides!!!!!) and in return we provide security, information, warning system and any other general SAFE area work needed.
Id definately pass a resolution rail crews cant be less than 5. Cabooses must be reinstated immediately. And someone distract Steve for this next one.... Id declare Trains, MR, and a few others junkmail. That way EVERYONE would get them free whether they wanted them or not!
Lastly, Id require states to issue Railfan ID's so seniors can get and extra 30% off on their McDonalds coffee. You know, so they can sit and read their junkmail in peace!
Now if all the above hot air hasnt put a few stripes in your Sunday daylight, dont bother asking who would be on the Senior staff.
I will relinguish the mic now and step down off the honored milk crate/podeum/throne. Bid you adieu wishing yall an enjoyable rest of the day. I will also leave with a request...
Weve seen the main course... fish n chips. Now lets see what you folks would have for dessert. I could go for something sweet bout now.
All the best!
Douglas
Good Afternoon,
Well Douglas if you want something 'traditional' how about sticky toffee pudding? I have one just waiting to heat up. And then since it is sunday dinner, I think I would have a roast leg of lamb, roast potatoes, and brussel sprouts. Then the pudding and finally a nice piece of Stillton with a glass of port. Long time since I've had any Stillton. My wife hates the taste of blue cheese and the smell of it so rarely does it make it into the house but I like it.
Another quiet day here. My wife slept and is still asleep as she was on the night shift monitoring Robbie. She is worried that the staples will get itchy and he will use his teeth to pull them out.
I did a silly thing today, I added up what I've spent on those 3 brass locos over the past year. Oops. Nothing for Christmas for me or the next 5 years. Seriously, I only question what I spent on the CP Hudson. While it was a reasonable price for that model still it was an awful lot of money and I feel a little guilty for having spent it especially with Robbie's vet bills. The CN K5a was a good buy. I haven't seen one for sale since with as good a paint job. The J4e Pacific too has nice paint and was a good buy too. Still it all adds up.
Are you getting the pop-up ads on this site? I keep getting them for autotrader. I just saw an ad for a really nice '64 Triumph TR4. Maybe for my 80th birthday. Just the thing for Winnipeg winters.
Ed, I like the C&O caboose. Very appropriate.
Thing I'll look up that youtube video of the fellow who installed a chev v8 in his snowblower. I think it was a big block too. Always good for laugh. Nothing like sending your snow to neighbours 2 houses away.
CN Charlie
PM RailfanCan you imagine if a Railfan became the head cheese taster of this cracker farm?
The likes of Southern's W. Graham Claytor, John Barriger on the P&LE and Monon, Bill Howes and Paul Reistrup on the B&O. Yeah, those were the days.
PM RailfanId declare dutch door riding allowed on Amtrak. Id set up a National Railfan network in a partnership with railroads.
There have been a couple programs just like that, Douglas. I recall years ago that a "railfan" photographer spotted a hotbox on a passing train. He tried to warn the crew on the rear end but it was too late. By the time the car got into the yard it was fully ablaze.
The commodity was 500 pound high-explosive bombs! I'll have to dig up the story.
Thanks for the kudos on Brakie's caboose It harkens back to the days when the Conductor would "customize" his home away from home.
Cheers, Ed
mbinsewiTry this, it's a link to their site, with the Christmas Parade Train, pictures, and a video: https://www.easttroyrr.org/christmas-parade-train.html The action and the pictures are just down the street from me, about 2 blocks.
Thanks, Mike! That looks like a lot of fun. We really don't have anything like that out here where I live.
Brent, I hope your son does OK.
I'm really left out of the Scotch discussion. Years ago I would have had something to offer, but I haven't had Scotch in 30 years.
We are really having a warm Sunday. It's 51° out, and after the cold weather we've been having, it feels warm. Even Daisy the Dachshund doesn't mind going out.
Kevin's comments about hot and cold weather remind me of when we moved here.
My daughters grew up in New Orleans, but we moved here when they were ready for high school.
One night at 2:00 a.m., I woke up hearing some yelling. My wife had wakened up the girls, and they were outside in the street yelling and running around as it snowed -- the first time they had seen something like that. Two days later, it was -10°F (-23°C). We nearly died.
York1 My wife had wakened up the girls, and they were outside in the street yelling and running around as it snowed -- the first time they had seen something like that.
I was not with any of my three girls the first time they saw snow.
My wife always seemed to make a trip with them to Indiana to see family without me in the Wintertime and introduced them to the stuff.
I do have pictures.
CNCharlie Well Douglas if you want something 'traditional' how about sticky toffee pudding? I have one just waiting to heat up.
Well Douglas if you want something 'traditional' how about sticky toffee pudding? I have one just waiting to heat up.
Thats very kind of you, yes please. Never had it, like the sound of it, Amen and pass the pudding!
CNCharlie My wife hates the taste of blue cheese and the smell of it so rarely does it make it into the house but I like it.
My wife hates the taste of blue cheese and the smell of it so rarely does it make it into the house but I like it.
Um, sorry Charlie, I have to agree with your wife on this one. Does this mean i dont get seconds on the pudding?
CNCharlie Oops. Nothing for Christmas for me or the next 5 years.
Oops. Nothing for Christmas for me or the next 5 years.
I try to rationalize the spending like this.... Model Railroading is a hobby that gives all year round. Why blow it all on one day. Feel any better? If not, repeat until you do while hovering your mouse cursor over the "Buy it Now" button.
gmpullman The likes of Southern's W. Graham Claytor, John Barriger on the P&LE and Monon, Bill Howes and Paul Reistrup on the B&O. Yeah, those were the days.
Yes they were! I cut my teeth Railfanning the Southern when there was still a Claytor at the helm. That and the RF&P. Got my first hand on a throttle on the Southern under a Claytor. Ill could never be more thankful!
PM RailfanGot my first hand on a throttle on the Southern under a Claytor. Ill could never be more thankful!
I never met the man but his legend looms large
Scotsman_Claytor-1969 by Edmund, on Flickr
These were the days when railroaders ran the railroads and Wall Street ran Wall Street. I spent hours hanging out the Dutch doors of passenger trains. If I saw a crew member I'd check with them first and 99% of the time I got a "Sure, just be careful".
Again, the "new breed" ended all that.
When a bit of England visited the US, Under Pennsy wire, yet!
Scotsman_Glendale-MD-1969a by Edmund, on Flickr
I like the Brakie caboose, it's a nice tribute.
We are supposed to get 1" of snow tomorrow am. Just enough to be pretty.
Brent those are some pricey chairs.
gmpullmanI spent hours hanging out the Dutch doors of passenger trains.
Speaking of safety, Youtube keeps suggesting videos from a guy called Shoestring. Shoestring is either 65 or is 55 and had a hard life. I think the later is likely. I've only watched bits and pieces of his videos and I'm not sure how he affords an apartment, but it is decorated in railroad posters and art.
He is thoroughly a train guy and did a video on the Tennessee RR Museum, but that is not his usual MO. Because of forum rules, I can't say what his MO is, but he has a greater tolerance of risk and discomfort that I do. His videos show prototypical things that the rest of us don't get to see, at least from his viewpoint.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley