Good morning all. A warm, dry day is forecast. Warm? Have the weatherpeople stepped outside? It is c-c-c-cold.
It has been a busy week on a personal side. An easier weekend is in prospect. I hope to get into the train room. later today.
Coffee time. Breads and pastries are on the table.
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
It’s a bit of an ask, but If he lay still enough, perhaps he could pretend he’s a bear skin rug????
I think that's a perfect solution, Bear. As long as you aren't tempted to nip at any ankles while you're down there
Sorry about the route confusion. I posted a link to the train timetable which included all the stops. Although we didn't exactly set foot in Maine we did have sone great photos from Garry during one of his visits. My dad was a big fan of the Maine Two Footers and he took some photos during one of his visits to the Sandy River back in '38.
SR&RL_pair_at_Strong_ME by Edmund, on Flickr
SR_RL_558 by Edmund, on Flickr
Our family would often vacation in the White Mountains and a visit to the Mount Washington Cog Railway was always on the itenerary:
Cog_rail_0001 by Edmund, on Flickr
CP_Montreal-1965 by Edmund, on Flickr
So, this morning finds us in Montreal, Province of Quebec. A wonderful city with the usual Canadian hospitality, this time with a bit of a French flair! Settle in and enjoy the sights before we make our quick dash to Toronto, then to Windsor and across the Detroit River by ferry to Detroit.
GO_903 by Edmund, on Flickr
We've had a request to take the old Michigan Central route into Chicago and this we will do on this historic route.
While in Montreal: https://www.exporail.org/en/
This looks like David's 'lil steamer!
Cheers, Ed
Good Morning All,
A regular and a blueberry muffin please Flo. You are really doing a great job Ed!
The Victoria Hotel in Montreal is memorable. It sits atop the CN station in the heart of town and below the station are the subway tracks. Montreal has a super subway system that branches out throughout downtown and is used by the multitudes yet it stays very clean and quiet. They have designated spots for the ineveitable street musicians to perform and we actually saw a few times what amounted to a shift change. When we went to the Canadian Grand Prix to support a driver in the historic support race (he brought over ex Jackie Stewart Tyrrell 003 for those of you who are interested) , we were billeted at the Victoria and were able to ride the subway to and from Ile De Notre Dame every day. In the morning it was full of kids going to school and university and in the evening folks returning home from work. pretty cool.
The CFO and I came up another time to catch the connection to VIA Rails Halifax run. We had a sleeper berth and the train also featured a much appreciated observation dome. A nicer run than the one out of the states from NYC as it is mostly rural. In the states unfortunately nearly the entire east coast lines run through the industrial areas which are now pretty uniformly run down and lots boarded up especially north of Washington DC.
L.Zhou. I like the website you are doing. Do you get to go to the state rail museum? I spent 4 years living south of you in Hanford but that was a lifetime ago.
Mt. Washington is special. Our car club used to be invited to the annual hill climb up the service road. It looked nearly as rough in the unpaved parts as the road bed base under the tracks. I never had a chance to go to the hillclimb and have never been on the cog railway either. I see in one shot the boiler is tipped close to horizontal. Does it articulate so they don't run the water too low or high? Perhaps if we get to go to Tamworth for an event this year I can go early to take a side trip and find out if no one knows. All for now, paperwork and then the shop later. Ciao, J.R.
gmpullman We've had a request to take the old Michigan Central route into Chicago and this we will do on this historic route. Cheers, Ed
SeeYou190I had to buy a MagLight for $40.00 to have a flashlight that turns on when I press the button, then turns off when I press the button again.
I love my MagLite. I've got several, and I have had them for years.
When I was working, each year I took some groups of students camping and canoeing on a scenic river. That was when I learned to appreciate a good flashlight that handled rough usage. MagLites were the best you can get.
Another day of working to get this new laptop configured and loaded with all the things I like.
It started to snow a little while I walked this morning. I think we are in for a heavier dumping the next several days.
I really appreciate all the work you guys do to let me ride along on these great trips. I would help with the work if I wasn't so busy sitting in the diner enjoying the scenery.
York1 John
Good morning.
Montreal and Toronto each have a network of underground pedestrian walkways connecting downtown locations. That way, people need not walk outside in the cold Canadian winters. There are shops and restaurants underground which are connected to the walkways.
In Montreal, I have stayed at the Queen Elizabeth Hotel several times. It is located on top of Union Station. In Toronto, I have stayed at the Royal York Hotel which is across the street from Union Station. There is an underground walkway between them.
Ed .... Thanks for sharing your pictures of the Cog Railway in NH and also your pictures of Maine two-foot narrow gauge trains.
Everybody ..... Have a good day.
GARRY
HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR
EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU
Good evening all. Son arrived with a few items fr us and he brought our four year old granddaughter. She ran a couple of 'big diesels' on the layout. (No Thomas the Tank stuff for her. That's kids stuff.)
Burger Friday. A new recipe. Onion Bhaji Burger with all the trimmings. I believe the Diner has restocked with alcohol and non-alcoholic drinks. Open tab to my roomette until 10.00pm.
Stay Safe.
Sad to hear Hank Aaron passed away.
David ... thanks fo the yummy burger ! it's lunch time here and that is an excellent choice for lunch.
NorthBritA new recipe. Onion Bhaji Burger with all the trimmings.
I had to Google this... and now I want one. It sounds amazing.
Thanks!
-Kevin
Living the dream.
One of those moments watching TV that I will always remember:
SeeYou190 NorthBrit A new recipe. Onion Bhaji Burger with all the trimmings. Thanks! -Kevin
NorthBrit A new recipe. Onion Bhaji Burger with all the trimmings.
I just read that 750 containers fell off a ship on January 16th. Hope your locomotive wasn't in one of them.
Good evening everyone.
The diner is sure getting around. We might be due for some routine maintenance soon.
I have been hanging ceiling fans and installing light fixtures all day. I put up four fans, two wall light fixtures, one ceiling light fixture, three HVAC registers, one HVAC return filter housing, and countless electrical cover plates.
A lot of the house is coming together now.
Tomorrow I will finish the last three fans and a few more lights. Then I can start on the doors.
The World Is A Beautiful Place.
SeeYou190I have been hanging ceiling fans and installing light fixtures all day. I put up four fans, two wall light fixtures, one ceiling light fixture, three HVAC registers, one HVAC return filter housing, and countless electrical cover plates.
Kevin! You're hired!! You are a very productive guy!
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
CP_Kamloops_Lake by Edmund, on Flickr
On our way to Toronto:
VIA_6770_10-81 by Edmund, on Flickr
Toronto_night by Edmund, on Flickr
Toronto_PCC_1987 by Edmund, on Flickr
Speaking of "South of the Border" When we are in Windsor, Ontario we will have to go NORTH to get into the U.S.
Good morning all. A very cold and frosty day here in the UK.
Going north to go south. See a bit more of Canada.
Coffee time. A selection of muffins are on the table.
Thoughts & Peace to All who Require.
Coffee and muffins sounds great David ! In early for a Saturday as I have our VSCCA annual general meeting today via Zoom and since I will be at my desk for it, I feel duty bound to tidy it up.
No ambition yesterday evening so I did as close to nothing as one can come. More packing in store though and once I get shelves empty, down with the shelving and brackets and on with the spackle to fill the screw holes. We have decided to do paint after we move out so we don't have to do it twice.
That's a lot of work you are doing Kevin. At least when you are done you can get on your new layout with a clear conscience.
Going north to go south is a lot like being upside down on the planet like Bear.
The world is indeed a beautiful place.
New Zealand 004 by J.R. Mitchell, on Flickr" alt="Taupo" />
Ah, here is the coffee and. I will retire to the corner and try to check in later.
Ciao, J.R.
Good morning
Yesterday was the coldest day of winter here so far. Today, 6" of snow is predicted.
I had some work in the building yesterday. Sure felt good to get out of the house.
I have a couple of warts on my fingers. I don't remember petting any frogs or toads lately I've never had these things before. My Daughter thinks it from too much hand sanitizer kills the good bacteria too, preventing natural defences to fight off a simple virus. I found a home remedy was too slow. I'm using compound W and duct tape now is what my Daughter says will work quickly.
I'll give your bike ride idea a go Brent. I have a Marin East Peak mountain bike I really enjoy in the summer. There is miles and miles of plowed bike trails next door at Bush Lake. I may take my bike in to the bike shop and have them install some studded tires.
Here's my participation in Kevin's The world's a beautiful place today.
The grey Cloud was following almost the exact same shape as the trees below it.
Have a good day everyone
TF
Howdy .... I'll have TH Coffee and a TH donut, please.
While the Diner is in Ontario, let's meet with our good friend Dave (critter).
Dave: Hi ! Good to see you!
Ed .... Great photos.
I appreciate this hobby because it enables me to get my mind off of events in the real world. I also, appreciate this forum because we are friends who avoid talking about hot button issues. I am thankful to Kalmbach (Steve O in particlular) for keeping it that way.
Everybody: ...... Have a good Saturday !
Track fiddlerYesterday was the coldest day of winter here so far. Today, 6" of snow is predicted.
We had our coldest day of Winter last week. Don't worry, you will survive just like we did. Just hunker down and put on a long sleeve shirt if you go outside. That worked for me.
Heartland Division CB&QI appreciate this hobby because it enables me to get my mind off of events in the real world. I also, appreciate this forum because we are friends who avoid talking about hot button issues.
Yes yes yes. My hobby, and this place are sanctuaries from the real world. More thank-yous to Steven Otte and Kalmbach Media.
Good morning. Snow predicted for the next four days. We should get about 8 inches total, so it's not bad at all.
After working on an old laptop for so long, I can't tell you how great it is to work on a new one.
It's getting to be tax time, so I am starting to get things organized. Now that I'm retired, I should actually get a refund, so I want to get the taxes done quickly and get my money. I love our country, but I don't want them to keep my money any longer than I can.
I'll do another couple of Arduino lessons today. I'm slowing down as the lessons get more difficult. Thankfully, a lot of the programming can be copied and pasted from online.
I have never been to eastern Canada, so this diner trip is great for me. Thanks.
Heartland Division CB&QI appreciate this hobby because it enables me to get my mind off of events in the real world. I also, appreciate this forum because we are friends who avoid talking about hot button issues. I am thankful to Kalmbach (Steve O in particlular) for keeping it that way.
I'll third that! I used to venture over to the "adult" side of the forum on the 1:1 big trains discussions. Their discussions often devolve into political insults. I don't need that in my life. I enjoy the friendship in the diner and on the WPF. Thanks, Kalmbach and Steve O.
The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.
Here there be cats. LIONS with CAMERAS
Good Morning,
Expecting a little snow today, about an inch and then colder. Sorry TF. Really has been quite mild so far. No -30 days or wind chill warnings 'exposed flesh may freeze in less than 5 minutes'
Nothing planned today, like most days recently. We are in internal quarantine as my wife had medical appointment on Thursday so for the next 14 days I stay in the basement and she is upstairs. Masks must be worn if I do venture upstairs. She suffers from extreme anxiety .
Watching white wing crossbills at the feeders about 8' from the basement windows. I'm sitting on the sofa typing this with one hand and my coffee mug in the other. So there, I can multitask!
I sure miss going to the gym. I know I'm not getting enough exercise.
Another coffee is in order.
CN Charlie
BroadwayLion
Hey Janie . . . need a bromo here! I knew I shuddna eat that second wildebeest!
LINK to SNSR Blog
Good evening all. A cold day as the temperature hovered below freezing. Went out for a couple of hours just to get out.Saw the calm sea and wished we were cruising again.
We are not hungry because of the late lunch, so a 'picky meal' is the order of the day. Beef Sandwich, Pickled eggs, Spring Rolls and whatever I find in the fridge or freezer.
Stay Safe everyone.
Hello Railfans!
Top of the day to ya! Dunno what im doin up at this time of day but thought id stop by and say howdy.
Havent come up with much of an agenda for today, but its still young yet. Probably piddle a bit in the train room. Binge watch something.
Its a bright sunny day (Humbug) approaching a mild winter temp. The weather beacons are spouting 60f by wednesday. 60f... In January!
Oh, and if were at the part of the show where we take a station break and acknowledge our sponsors, then let me pay my 's to Kalmbach.
Have yall ever heard this.....
"I pledge allegeance to the Kalmbach, of the United States of America. And to the Railfans, for our benefit it stands, one company, divisible, with Trains and MR's for all."
Then again how could you, i wrote that as a kid when the 'bug bite' was fresh. I liked it better than the original Now back to our regularly scheduled program.....
Think ill grab a few muffins and a seat. Be waiting on the scenery as Ed unfolds it for us. Curious to see how this heading north to go south thing plays out. Cant wait to see the dragons at the end of the map.
Clear Ahead!
Douglas
CNCharlieI sure miss going to the gym. I know I'm not getting enough exercise.
Me Too!!!
Just too darn cold outside here in the Finger Lakes at the moment to get my daily 5k in. Need to get away from the 'puter and get on the excercise bike. I was supposed to get some walking in with a wonderful Lady I have dated for a while (if you can call it dating during the pandemic?). We were going to go to a very large mall yesterday around noon to get a few miles of walking in and then have lunch there. But.... She called me and said there was some heavy lake effect snow happening where she lives (near Rochester, NY) which was the heaviest they have had so far this winter. So.... We again postponed. Here I got a couple inches in the driveway which I haven't even bothered with yet.
As I have gotten older the cold bothers me a lot more than it used to. My hands seem to be always cold these days.
Walked by the Model Railroad a few times yesterday. Didn't actually do anything with it but did walk by it.... Spent part of the day putting together the newsletter for my NMRA Division. Waiting for the proofreaders to let me know what else I messed up....
Later!
73
Ray Seneca Lake, Ontario, and Western R.R. (S.L.O.&W.) in HO
We'll get there sooner or later!
Good morning, it is a sunny day with not a cloud in the sky and -2C. The weather guessers are predicting a week of flurries as the temps should hover around freezing all week. Cold for these parts but perfect hiking weather.
Income tax time has sure changed for me the last few years, at one time I had rental properties and investments coming out the ying-yang and needed accountants to keep it straight. I have streamlined everything getting rid of things that require too much attention and can coast to the finish line.
My pals and I use to work incredibly long hours and because all we did was work we would invest everything we made as we did not have time to spend it. When we would get together for lunch usually after a round of Golf we would order a pint our toast would be, "here's hoping we have to pay lots of income tax this year", people would look at us funny and would say we were nuts or what was in our beer. We would just tell them that if we had to pay lots of income tax, that meant we made lots of money that year. My one friend worked on the North Sea oil rigs, a normal shift was 6 weeks on and 6 weeks off. He would do 3 months on and 6 weeks off. He just kept buying houses with all his money. He is probably worth 20 million now after just investing a very few years of his life on the rigs.
My friends that went North and worked the resource industry for a few years right out of High School are all way better off than the Engineers, Doctors and Lawyers in the group. The money they made in the eight years the professionals were in university alone had them pretty well set. It was 7 days a week, 12 hours a day with nowhere to spend it.
I started working out again after hurting my back, I probably took a month off and I have picked up right where I left off with little loss in fitness. I really had to watch the food intake though.
John, I think learning the Arduino is really cool and it is on my list of things to learn. My knowledge of electronics is really lacking. I can wire a house but it doesn't take the same brainpower to do that as what electronics takes.
Ran trains yesterday, the first time in a long time with all these Renos going on. Hard as I tried the reno dust got to the layout and I started cleaning cars while I watched the roundy rounds.
Today's project is plumbing the fridge. We have a 40" crawlspace with lights so working down there is easy. I just hope I get the hole for the pipe in the right spot.
Bike, shower, fridge.
All the best to all.
This is how baby loco's are made.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
Hey Brent!
How are those puppies doing? IIRC you kept a couple of them.
howmus Hey Brent! How are those puppies doing? IIRC you kept a couple of them. 73