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WELCOME 2021! Jeffrey's Trackside Diner In North America!

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WELCOME 2021! Jeffrey's Trackside Diner In North America!
Posted by gmpullman on Thursday, December 31, 2020 11:45 PM

 

WELCOME IN THE NEW YEAR

IN JEFFREY'S Trackside Diner


For January, 2021 we will be touring all over North America by train with the diner in tow rather than being stuffed into a stub-end siding in some railroad yard we'll be out on the MAin Line traveling the rails and seeing the sights!

Please join in and suggest or contribute ideas for locations or trains to ride in your favorite locale.

Kevin, SeeYou190, has provided us with a marvelous new graphic to honor our departed Diner patrons. THANK YOU, Kevin!

The Atlantic crossing was peaceful and calm. Some of the Queen Mary IIs regular patrons were a little upset that the pool was drained and a dusty, old dining car was lashed to the deck. Some of them grumbling about Cunard becoming a freight shipping line.

Had you been peering over the gunnel this morning you would have seen the lovely sight of Lower Manhattan:

 Manhattan_1965 by Edmund, on Flickr

Not to mention the near-miss with the Erie-Lackawanna Hoboken Ferry!

 EL_Pocono by Edmund, on Flickr

If Bear hadn't been in the pilot house to give the wheel a good tug astern we would have certainly josteled a few pearls in first class!

Once the diner is off-loaded she will be hauled to Mott Haven yard on the New York Central, stocked and serviced, then made up into the consist of tonight's westbound Twentieth Century Limited leaving the venerable Grand Central Terminal and headed to our second major stop-over in Chicago.

 Welcome to a day in New York City!

Cheers, Ed

 

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Posted by SeeYou190 on Friday, January 1, 2021 12:02 AM

I am just popping in to give a full-hearted thank-you to David for such a marvelous job hosting the diner in December.

David: Two thumbs way up + 100%!

-Kevin

Living the dream.

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Posted by gmpullman on Friday, January 1, 2021 12:18 AM

LION would suggest a great way to get familiar with the five boroughs is by obtaining an all-day pass on the vast subway system:

Of course you won't get to see many of the sights from forty-feet below the street so you're free to get off the cars at any station and explore the neighborhoods.

Portions of the subway system are actually above ground Yes

 Brooklyn by Edmund, on Flickr

No visit to Manhattan would be complete without a peek at the great Empire State Building:

 NYC_5th-41st by Edmund, on Flickr

Have Fun, Ed

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Posted by herrinchoker on Friday, January 1, 2021 12:32 AM

Nice upgrade on the move----

herrinchoker

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Posted by SeeYou190 on Friday, January 1, 2021 2:37 AM

It finally happened, and not a moment too soon for me.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

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Posted by gmpullman on Friday, January 1, 2021 3:33 AM

herrinchoker
Nice upgrade on the move----

Thank you, Herrinnchoker Smile

Before I turn in I'll leave you folks with some decent, old films of the New York Central along Park Avenue and farther up the Hudson Div.

One shot shows an S-motor pulling the Twentieth Century Limited, tail-first, into Grand Central. I recreated a similar scene on the layout:

 IMG_6943_fix by Edmund, on Flickr

 IMG_6930_fix by Edmund, on Flickr

I hope everyone made it to the new Diner location OK and in good health. Enjoy the first day of the New Year!

Cheers, Ed

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Posted by NorthBrit on Friday, January 1, 2021 5:15 AM

SeeYou190

I am just popping in to give a full-hearted thank-you to David for such a marvelous job hosting the diner in December.

David: Two thumbs way up + 100%!

-Kevin

 

 

My pleasure, Kevin.   Thanks again to everyone  else who commented throughout December.

 

'Gooood Morning   New York'.  Happy New Year.

A quick trip around the 'old haunts'.

Over to Brooklyn to see  a few friends.  It was where my daughter met her future husband.

Pier 17  for a quick bite to eat.  A drink of beer in the bar on South Street.

Dawn wants me to get her a 'few things' from Macey's  and the 'bling bling'  stores,  (jewelry).

Pick up the latest copy of  'Model Railroader'.

A drink in 'Harry's Bar'  on 45th. 

I was told to try the oysters in the 'Oyster Bar'  in Grand Central.   I have never tried them before.   I am in the queue waiting to be served.

David

To the world you are someone.    To someone you are the world

I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought

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Posted by GMTRacing on Friday, January 1, 2021 7:19 AM

Good Morning All,

    And may we all have a better new year than the one just departed.

    I'll have a regular and to celebrate the old way, a bloody mary as a chaser.

    Looked at another house yesterday and really had my hopes up as it was a nice size and an easy commute but the house just needed too much and in person the location was just not what we are looking for. Moving from one urban area to another is not what we want. Still waiting on a reply to our first choice but I'm not holding out too much hope. Two more to look at on Sunday afternoon and a couple more next week. Sorting and boxing are moving apace so if lightning strikes we will be ready.

   I'm ready to go Ed. Most of my train travel has been on the New Haven and lately of course Amtrak. The run up the Hudson to Albany is always a scenic adventure once you pass Fishkill and the urban sprall to the south. 

   Thanks again David, last months tour will be hard to top.

   Back in the shop this morning to clean and sort here as well. Ciao, J.R. 

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Posted by BroadwayLion on Friday, January 1, 2021 9:47 AM

Our Hindsight is now 2020

Praise the Lord!

The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.

Here there be cats.                                LIONS with CAMERAS

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Posted by York1 on Friday, January 1, 2021 10:06 AM

Happy New Year, Diners!

My only picture from NYC:  Early 1970s college student doing stupid things on the top of the World Trade Center.  Many stupid things.  Right before the guard came and yelled at us.  I didn't show pictures like this to my kids, hoping they made better decisions.

 

York1 John       

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Posted by Heartland Division CB&Q on Friday, January 1, 2021 10:26 AM

Happy New Year, everybody ..... 

David NorthBrit...... Many thanks for the photos and videos you provided in the December Diner. 

Ed .... You did a great job of starting the January Diner. It look like fun. I like passenger trains, too, and therefore it will be enjoyable.

I grew up in Chicago, and was on a lot of inter-city trains before Amtrak. The only NYC trains I rode were short trains to and from Michigan. NYC shared La Salle St. Station with Rock Island. There were several major passenger stations in Chicago, and there was a dedicated bus service for passengers to be shuttled between the stations. 

Below is a long train ready to depart Chicago. 

 

 

Kevin .... You certainly put together a great memorial for the RIP Track. It might be good to include real names with screen names. For example, Blownout Cylinder was Barry. 

 

Lion .... Clever of you regarding 2020 hindsight. 

..

Everybody: ..... Who is thinking of projects on their model railroads to work on during the new year ? 

GARRY

HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR

EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU

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Posted by Lazers on Friday, January 1, 2021 10:31 AM

Bad Dog - no Biscuit.

My wife had to work today (same as Christmas day - caring for an elderly lady) and my instructions for the day were to set the DVD recorder running for her favourite programme of all, which is the New Years Day Concert from Vienna (BBC 2)

Unfortunately I fell asleep before and for 30 mins after the concert had started. Bad night sleep from NY Eve. My predictions re Fireworks turned-out to be a Damp Squib, due to strong winds and rain pounding the windows - probably kept me awake more than fireworks would have.

But I had previously turned the TV on. When the screen came up, I was greeted by 3 Sailors, running down the gangplank, stopping and singing, "New York, New York".

I couldn't believe my timing. I thought of you Guys immediately, disembarking from the Liner in a stampede. Paul

York1 - you were just a few years my senior in the early 70's - but I recall those Fashions and Haircuts so well.

"It's the South Shore Line, Jim - but not as we know it".

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Posted by York1 on Friday, January 1, 2021 10:37 AM

Heartland Division CB&Q
Everybody: ..... Who is thinking of projects on their model railroads to work on during the new year ? 

 

Garry, I'm making an effort to work on some spaces that have bothered me for a while.  There are some blank areas that I just haven't figured out what to do there, so I ignore them.  I want to do something with them.  I also got an Arduino starter kit for Christmas, so that is on the list of 2021 projects.

York1 John       

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Posted by MisterBeasley on Friday, January 1, 2021 10:40 AM

BroadwayLion

Our Hindsight is now 2020

Praise the Lord!

 

I might even loosen my belt to give 2020 a better "hindsight" of me as I walk away.

About the only good thing I can associate with 2020 is the virtual wine and beer dinners the local restaurants have come up with.  The menu comes out about two weeks early, and then diners order dinner and their selection of wine.  At the appointed time, we drive over and get the best takeout food ever.

It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse. 

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Posted by gmpullman on Friday, January 1, 2021 10:51 AM

Thanks for joining in, folks!

Here is a good look at some of the old New York Central trackage that we will be traversing latewr this evening as we depart New York:

I did a bit of rail exploration in this area back in the early 1970s. As far as I'm concerned, there's nothing left there I'd want to return to see.

Back in December of 2013 there was an awful Metro-North wreck on the Spuyten Duyvil curve due to excessive speed.

Heartland Division CB&Q
Everybody: ..... Who is thinking of projects on their model railroads to work on during the new year ? 

One of the "big ones" I hope to soon get into is a replacement "head-house" for my present Union Station building:

 Walthers_Everett-Station-open by Edmund, on Flickr

My original structure which has been standing since 1996 is perfectly fine but Walthers made this kit available a while after I completed it and the red brick building is the one I always wanted here.

 Union Station by Edmund, on Flickr

Things are quiet here in NE Ohio today. Cloudy, cold and a rain/snow mix is in the forecast. Good Layout-tinkering weather.

Cheers, Ed

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Posted by NorthBrit on Friday, January 1, 2021 10:58 AM

Lazers

 my instructions for the day were to set the DVD recorder running for her favourite programme of all, which is the New Years Day Concert from Vienna (BBC 2)

Unfortunately I fell asleep before and for 30 mins after the concert had started. 

 

 
 
Hi Lazers.  Have you got 7 day catch up on your TV set?
 
 
David

To the world you are someone.    To someone you are the world

I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought

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Posted by gmpullman on Friday, January 1, 2021 11:20 AM

One more nice look at NYC operations on a day trip to New York City:

Some excellent views there Yes


 

 

Lazers
Unfortunately I fell asleep before and for 30 mins after the concert had started.

 

Lazers, can you show the Youtube video to your missus? Some newer "smart-TVs will let you stream YouTube.

At least she will be able to hear it and maybe let you out of the dog house an hour earlier?

Regards, Ed

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Posted by mbinsewi on Friday, January 1, 2021 11:46 AM

Thanks Ed, watching the concert on YT now.  Like all music venues this past year, no audiance. 

I like the tribute to members who have passed on.  Much different than just the names. 

Happy New Year!

Mike.

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Posted by Lazers on Friday, January 1, 2021 12:07 PM

NorthBrit
  Hi Lazers.  Have you got 7 day catch up on your TV set?     David

Hi David, thanks  for the idea, but I do not watch any TV (but for this exception) or movies at all and so I wouldn't even know about how to work the controls + we don't have any kids or grandkids to help us out. I managed to record the last 2 hours and it is repeated tonite at 19:00 (hi-lites only) so;

Ed, she is ok with that and I did get let out early and Mike, that famous March at the end sounds different, but wierd without audience participation.

David, is that the NBR Crest with the Bear on it? I have an example on one of my Railway books, somewhere.

Regards to all, Paul

"It's the South Shore Line, Jim - but not as we know it".

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Posted by NorthBrit on Friday, January 1, 2021 12:28 PM

Lazers

David, is that the NBR Crest with the Bear on it? I have an example on one of my Railway books, somewhere.

Regards to all, Paul

 

 
 
There is a bear on the shield on the  right hand  side.
 
The company dates from 1846; originally from Edinburgh to Berwick, part of the East Coast Main Line. The arms show the Burgh arms of Edinburgh and Berwick, surrounded by roses and thistles.
 
 
 
 
 
David

To the world you are someone.    To someone you are the world

I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought

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Posted by moelarrycurly4 on Friday, January 1, 2021 1:36 PM

HNY every one. 

I always wondered how to pronounce Spuyten Duyvil

I always think it is funny that someone thinks they can edit an old film then copyright that edit version.  

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Posted by SeeYou190 on Friday, January 1, 2021 2:25 PM

Heartland Division CB&Q
Kevin .... You certainly put together a great memorial for the RIP Track. It might be good to include real names with screen names. For example, Blownout Cylinder was Barry. 

Thank you. I was going to add the names, and I still can, but I did not know most of them, and I was concerned it would look silly with only a few. I want the RIP track to be as respectful as possible, and I hope the avatars are a better memorial than just a list of names.

It was amazingly hard to find some of the avatars, especially "inch".

If people will PM me all the names they know, I will update it for the February diner.

EDIT: I have more information that I realized. I just need to know Alan B's last name. Can anyone help with that?

gmpullman
Lazers, can you show the Youtube video to your missus? Some newer "smart-TVs will let you stream YouTube.

I have a "smart" blue-ray player that allows me to stream YouTube, and that allows me to listen to the audio through my surround sound. For some things, like Post Modern Jukebox, it is worth it.

The world is a beautiful place.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

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Posted by NorthBrit on Friday, January 1, 2021 2:43 PM

Just enjoying the city  before boarding.

Staff are getting the train ready.

 

 

David

To the world you are someone.    To someone you are the world

I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought

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Posted by joe323 on Friday, January 1, 2021 4:12 PM

Don't forget to take a ride on the Sttaten Island Ferry so I can wave hello.

Joe Staten Island West 

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Posted by "JaBear" on Friday, January 1, 2021 4:37 PM

gmpullman
If Bear hadn't been in the pilot house to give the wheel a good tug astern...

No, it wouldn’t have been the Bear (as thick as a short plank!!), any quick thinking would have come from the Skipper, and Helmsman Frank!
Frank. by Bear, on Flickr
 
Smile

"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."

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Posted by York1 on Friday, January 1, 2021 5:30 PM

joe323
Don't forget to take a ride on the Sttaten Island Ferry so I can wave hello.

Joe, I rode the Staten Island Ferry before 1975 -- it was a nickel to ride.  I've looked for some pictures, but they haven't been scanned yet.

York1 John       

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Posted by gmpullman on Friday, January 1, 2021 5:42 PM

York1

 

 
joe323
Don't forget to take a ride on the Sttaten Island Ferry so I can wave hello.

 

Joe, I rode the Staten Island Ferry before 1975 -- it was a nickel to ride.  I've looked for some pictures, but they haven't been scanned yet.

 

I rember my first ride on the Staten Island Ferry back in '66. I seem to recall they were serving "Coney Dogs" on board. I never saw so much stuff piled onto a bun! It was delicious.

Well, we're all aboard and headed north (railroad west) up the Hudson toward the New York state capital in Albany.

 Century_Advance by Edmund, on Flickr

Our P-2b electric has been changed out at Harmon and we will have steam power for the remainder of the sixteen-hour trip to Chicago.

 Penn-Central P-2b 4641 by Edmund, on Flickr

It is unfortunate that the darkness descends so early this time of year. We are missing out on some great scenery here:

 Hudson_on_Hudson by Edmund, on Flickr

I'll be in the "Century Club" enjoying a cocktail before dinner.

Enjoy the ride, folks Smile  Cheers, Ed

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Posted by howmus on Friday, January 1, 2021 7:03 PM

BATMAN
Back the train up for Ken, where is he.

He is in the Cab shoveling all the coal he got from Santa for Christmas....... Whistling  That alone should get us to Chicago......

Hey, the first Bills Game at home this season with people in the stadium has already sold out!!!

73

Ray Seneca Lake, Ontario, and Western R.R. (S.L.O.&W.) in HO

We'll get there sooner or later! 

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Posted by cudaken on Friday, January 1, 2021 7:11 PM

 Happy New Years Folks!

 Flo, give the gang and I a Beer please and Drik and Robbie a dog treat.

 Beides the Crude 2020 was pretty good for me. Fed's have been givning me free money, that I did not want nor need. House payment went down by $68.00. Paid off my last personal loan. Good sizes Income tax return. 4 weeks off with pay from the Fed Crude Money. While the broken rib, Pneumonia and Blood Clots sucked Rail Spikes but for me last year was not that bad.

 Credit Score is 758 and I only owe $2090.00 on my Credit Card's. I will be at 761 by the end of this month.

 Ed Sometimes I all most cannot tell if your phots are of the real thing, or your layout! Bow Bow 

 Work Front This last Wednesday was great, had $4623.00 in sales and made a extra $160.00. Big Smile

 Had to work today on my day off. For the last 3 years we had not had a single sale on Jan 1st. But Nancy decide it would be a big day! After 6 hours we (Jerry the Dunce and I) had 3 whole customers? Whistling

 Well again Happy New Year and may the Mask Be Forgotten!!

 Ken and Dirk say's Happy Woof, Woof!

  Edit, top of the page, Flo the bill is on my dime!

I hate Rust

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Posted by mbinsewi on Friday, January 1, 2021 8:06 PM

gmpullman
At least she will be able to hear it and maybe let you out of the dog house an hour earlier?

The concert is also playing now, 8:00 pm CST, on our local PBS channel.

Mike.

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