Good morning, diners. I just about froze on my walk this morning, 15°F, but it's sunny so it didn't seem so cold.
Long story ahead:
In December of 1989, after Christmas, we started south from Chicago on the City of NO.
In Memphis, we picked up a bunch of loud football fans headed to New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl. I assume they were from Alabama.
Somewhere in Mississippi, we stopped. We sat for a while, and then we backed up (which the crew said was very unusual) several miles to a small town.
In the town we sat for several hours. Rumors were that there had been a derailment ahead. The diner did not have enough food, so Amtrak ordered Kentucky Fried Chicken for everyone. The mood on the train was great -- lots of eating, drinking, and talking.
After several hours we took off and made it to some of the swampy deserted areas of southern Mississippi-Louisiana, north of New Orleans. It was now dark, and the train stopped again.
We sat, and sat some more, in a completely dark area.
Then, without any word, the Amtrak workers disappeared. No one in charge was anywhere to be found. We're in the middle of nowhere, with a full train of passengers, no crew, and no word on what was going on.
The mood changed quickly from fun to angry. The football fans broke into the cabinets in the snack car and ransacked the liquor cabinets.
By this time, people had opened the train cars' doors and we were all milling around in the dark outside the train. Some walked to the front, but could not see any crew or even anyone in the locomotive. If they were there, they were hiding.
By now, my wife was getting worried. We had three small children, and the mood was not good with angry drunk people roaming the train. We and other parents got all the kids, and we holed up in one of the coach cars.
Some of the people had walked a ways, found a small town with a convenience store, and bought as much alcohol as they could carry back to the train.
After about four hours, some railroad people showed up, got everyone on board, and we took off very slowly. We finally passed lots of lights along the track with lots of workers -- there had been a derailment.
We pulled into New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal around 3:00 a.m.
What bothered us the most was the crew leaving us there with obviously drunk angry people, and not one word of explanation or apology. We pulled into the station and unloaded as if nothing had happened. Not one word from any Amtrak employees or officials.
My family never took Amtrak again, although we have taken trains in Alaska and Canada. I would ride again without hesitation, but it will have to be without my wife.
Sorry for the long story, but I think of this everytime I hear the song.
York1 John
Howdy, everybody .
John York 1 ..... Wow! Your southbound trip on Amtrak was remarkable to say the least. We were on Amtrak's eastbound California Zephyr a few years ago . We stopped in Fraser and were told by the conductor the train will not move for an hour. We had to wait for work crews who were inside of Moffat Tunnel.
I got out of the train long enough to take pictures such as this one.
...
Ed ..... Those a great pictures of the IC. ...
Here is a publicity picture of the IC Panama Limited.
Everybody: .... Have a good day.
GARRY
HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR
EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU
Good Afternoon everyone
Sadly, an entire three-volume book could be written with Amtrak horror stories. Many of their ills are of no fault of their own, I believe, but how each scenario plays out can make one wonder about accountability.
This morning we passed the site in Bourbonnais, Illinois where in March of 1999 the southbound City of New Orleans hit a truck loaded with coiled steel with disastrous results.
No wreath-laying ceremony today, but there is a memorial at the site. There was another wreck of the City of New Orleans in 1971 in Salem, Ill. caused by a locked traction motor on one of the locomotives.
We stopped for a while in Champaign, Illinois for fuel and a crew change. Champaign is a Railroad Town which came about as the Illinois Central laid their tracks through here in 1855. Carl Perkins and Bob Dylan wrote a song called Champaign Illinois in 1969.
Panama_4025 by Edmund, on Flickr
Sit back and relax, it will be a long ride as we traverse the country from north to south. There will be a big game of euchre in the club car at 2 PM Penny a point— ain't no one keepin' score.
Here's a nice look at an O scale layout featuring the Panama Limited:
Cheers, Ed
John, Your story is terrible. There is nothing I find more scary than angry drunks in groups. I have never had anything like that happen to me while I was travelling.
I do have stories about packs of angry drunks in public.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
We have not had anything happen like what happened to John. Thank goodness.
Well, first my speakers on my computer have 'given up'. I cannot hear anything being played. Now I cannot upload pictures. I need a new lead. The store I normally buy from has closed down, so I will have to look elsewhere.
David
To the world you are someone. To someone you are the world
I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought
For those of you who are following along at home here's a map of the northern portion of our route.
I-C_RR_North by Edmund, on Flickr
It was made in 1892 so there may have been a few changes since
Fortunately we will no longer have to rely on the ferry at Cairo, Il. to take our train across the Ohio River near the confluence of the Mississippi River. In 1889 a new bridge was opened to rail traffic:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cairo_Rail_Bridge
A newer bridge, built in 1952 was constructed using the same piers as the 1889 bridge.
Good afternoon .
Ed .... You continue doing a great job with the Janaury Diner. Illinois Central passenger trains were fast on the line through Champaign. Speed limit, if I recall correctly, was 100 mph on parts of the route. I rememebr a retired IC engineer telling me he exceeded 100 mph with E-units if his train was behind schedule. ... I recall riding on the IC City of Miami in IL, and we were going very fast with a long train.
Afternoon Diners!
Flo, give the gang and I a please and Dirk and Robbie a dog treat.
Work Front Nancy the Queen decided we would be busy Jan 1st 2021. It was one of my days off but I had to work. In the last 3 years we had no sales on the 1st! So I spent 7 hours at work, had one coustomer that did not buy anything. Saturday a day I use to have off but because of the Covid thing I am now working I had 1 coustomer in 5 hours?
Before Covid I was only working 3 days a week and I was happy and doing OK $ wise. Working 5 days this week (sorry to the full time workers in the dinner) sort of kicked my butt.
Had a good day with Sue and Dirk Pip. Dirk and I sat out while I had my coffee, Kevin would die, it as 34 degress . I wear layers. Sue made a good breakfest of Hash Browns, Bacon and Scrabbled Eggs.
Dirk was very happy I was off, he gets depressed when put on my work clothes. He got to go shopping with us, then later we went to the Park. He loves the pee and poop in the park
Weather for Jan was nice, sunny and while cool at 39 dgress the sun kept us comfortable. Sue even walked with Dirk and I.
Trains are running great, so later Ken and Dirk says Woof, Woof!
I hate Rust
gmpullmanFortunately we will no longer have to rely on the ferry at Cairo, Il. to take our train across the Ohio river
FAR OUT! Pass the Doobie man, were in Cairo! Can we get out and see the pyramids? You dew worse in geology than I due every 1 nose that is the Nile out the window. What makes you say it is the Ohio?
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
Depending on how long the diner will stop in New Orleans, there are some great possibilities for food (if you want more than the diner food).
If you have time, you can catch the streetcar right outside Union Passenger Terminal, take it to Canal St., take the Canal streetcar to Royal, and walk four blocks to one of the great traditions: Breakfast at Brennans". Nothing like champagne for breakfast.
If we're there longer, then one of the best eating places in the entire South is a taxi ride away from the terminal -- Commander's Palace in Uptown. The Brennan family has a Creole restaurant that has been the home of some of the best chefs, including Emeril Lagasse and Paul Prudhomme.
You will want a high limit on your credit card for either restaurant.
Great job on the diner this month. My knowledge of passenger travel is minimal, so I don't have much I can post.
NorthBritThe store I normally buy from has closed down, so I will have to look elsewhere.
In the US we have a big box computer store called https://www.microcenter.com/
Without waxing political, I think the Pound is doing better than the $. Nor do I know the cost of shipping across the pond. Maybe it would be a cost effective solution?
My son went to Tulane and worked at K-Pauls (Paul Prudhomme) Covid caused them to go under.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
This is what almost a year of retirement has done to me.
Look at that face... pure happiness!
SeeYou190 -Kevin
I believe that I saw that same picture on the wall at the post office.
Did the caption read Wanted For Having Too Much Fun?
Hey Kevin!
Ain't it nice to get up in the morning and be able to decide if you feel like shaving or not??? As a teacher I had to answer for having stubble on my face way back when and argue that the only way I could grow a beard would be not to shave and there were no rules about growing beards anyway.... One principal actually told me that I ought to start the beard over the summer! LOL.
Oh... It seems like a "parent" complained.
And... I think we both may be approching "Coothood!"
Your just a Duffer at this point. I am at least Codger now...
73
Ray Seneca Lake, Ontario, and Western R.R. (S.L.O.&W.) in HO
We'll get there sooner or later!
Ray, I took a walk yesterday and crossed a pond where I saw...a coot. It's a small duck, and didn't seem to recognize me as a fellow coot.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Good evening everyone. Today was my birthday. My wife and I went out for something to celebrate. We realized we had not been out of the house since before Christmas. We have become very comfortable with our new hermit lifestyle.
She snappped the picture of me above when I was pulling out of the driveway.
It was a dismal gray and cloudy day outside. Not at all what a Winter day should be like.
Nothing to report, but all is well.
The world is a beautiful place.
Hello, all —
Everyone must have been involved in the big euchre game in the dining car!
I had the obs all to myself
I-C_Observation-lounge by Edmund, on Flickr
Today we have the day to spend around the environs of New Orleans. A little early for Mardi Gras but we can still party like it's Monday! Too bad Young Stephen isn't around to give us a tour.
What a treasure to have these cars still operating. Reminds me of the times I could ride the Shaker Rapid in Cleveland and sometimes they would have the old Kuhlman car running.
I'll be nibbling on beignets down in the Café Du Monde. Whoo-ee this coffee can stand by itself with all that chickory in it! Be forewarned.
Enjoy the day folks. Tonight we board the S-P's Sunset Limited for our journey west to the big California city of Los Angeles!
SP_No1 by Edmund, on Flickr
Good morning all. Breakfast made and eaten. Well N. O. looks much warmer than in the UK. Thanks for the pictures, Ed.
A busy day ahead. Christmas decorations to take down before I can 'disappear' to the train room.
Thoughts and Peace to All who Require.
Happy birthday, Kevin!
It's good to be back home in New Orleans. I've missed it.
Ed, what is that stuff pouring out of the 2nd SP unit?
We might have slow the pace down a bit. This trip has to last a month. I'm in no hurry, as long as I'm back in WI sometime in April!
Excellent tour Ed!
Mike.
My You Tube
York1Happy birthday, Kevin!
Thank you. I am not much for birthdays. Having a birthday one week after Christmas was a terrible way to grow up.
Still feeling very good and taking care of myself. Really hoping for 20 more years to play with trains.
mbinsewiEd, what is that stuff pouring out of the 2nd SP unit?
That's the water overflow for filling the steam generator tanks. There was no "auto-shutoff" for the water. The guys tending the fuel hoses were more preoccupied with watching the fuel filling, which, most had overfill protection (like a gasoline nozzle) but didn't always work.
You can see an other water fill on the lead unit under the letter "P". I believe these are F7s.
I recall hearing a story from the early days of Amtrak where a fuel crew filled the diesel tanks with water! Locomotives were being shuffeled around in those days and somehow the hostlers, or who ever was responsible, wasn't familiar with the fuel/water fillers on the various locomotives they were now dealing with.
Here's another one, in Tuscon, overflowing (in the shadows).
gmpullmanWhat a treasure to have these cars still operating. Reminds me of the times I could ride the Shaker Rapid in Cleveland and sometimes they would have the old Kuhlman car running.
Good Evening Diners. I'll just have coffee please Flo'. Just had bacon, egg (poached) beans and toasted bread. It was Tea-time, but my wife made it - so better not ask.
Seeing the Street Cars reminded me of this song. I don't want too sad, but I've always remembered it from 'New Country' on BBC Radio 2. I feel that it is very touching account of someone locked inside his own world, reflecting upon his past. Mary mentions the Street Cars and I like the line, "from the tone of the tracks, I knew"
Also, the other places and things of New Orleans, that are mentioned. Paul
"It's the South Shore Line, Jim - but not as we know it".
Since the Mardi Gras carnival season begins in two days, here's a picture of me and friends at Mardi Gras. We spent several evenings silk screening these at the school's art classroom. And yes, we are drinking beer at 10:00 a.m.
Since this is a railroad forum, we are standing on the St. Charles streetcar tracks in the picture.
My family loved Mardi Gras when we lived in New Orleans. It's too bad that TV shows only the worst parts of it -- along a two block stretch in the French Quarter.
The rest of the city has a wonderful family time. It all ends at midnight on Fat Tuesday.
Go easy on those Hurricanes, fella's. You have to be back at NOUPT by 10:45 to board Southern Pacific train #1, the Sunset Limited, the oldest named train in the U.S.
http://www.streamlinerschedules.com/concourse/track9/sunset195705.html
Meanwhile, enjoy some fine S-P modeling at the North American Prototype Modelers layout:
mbinsewiWe might have slow the pace down a bit. This trip has to last a month.
You might have a new outlook on that statement, Mike! We'll be on the Sunset over 44 hours, thats IF there are no delays
Plenty of track to cover. We probably won't duplicate any routes as far as I can tell. Flo sure will be glad when January is over Serving all these meals in a moving diner is rough on her feet!
See you later, Ed
Howdy ....
Kevin ..... Happy Birthday ....
Ed .... You are doing a great job. Thanks.
The City of New Orleans does pass through western KY where I live. Fulton, KY is the only Amtrak station near here, and it is not much. Amtrak's C of NO passes through in the middle of the night.
I'm looking forward to riding the Sunset Limited. Along its route goes very near which is where our youngest daughter and her husband live. A California Zephyr dome observation car is on display in Maricopa. I don't know why it is there. The CZ did not go through AZ.
Here is a local UP freight train between Maricopa and Casa Grande.
Here is a UP train passing through Maricopa.
Hello Railfans!
Top of the day to ya! A bright, sunshiny day (HUMBUG!) here.... AGAIN, topping out at a mere 38F.
I actually got out of the house today, ran the errands, made my way around to see all the local hunny bunnys i flirt with. Managed to get a few bills paid. Mostly, i was out of Pepsi. Now i dont know about yall but thats like running steam without water.
Got my printer unclogged and printing in less than an hour! New record for me. And yes, i clogged it purty good too. Had to replace throat and tip. Though i stayed at .4mm instead of dropping down. I really pondered on it for a few.
Was looking to put in that Kadee order today too, but i dont see any good sales on a 'lot of', so that may have to wait a few more days. UGH!
Kevin) Happy Belated BDay to ya! Could be worse, dear ole mom's bday is XMas day. A 2 for one kinda deal. Bummer though, cuz that means no presents the whole year. Mom was born in the depression, my uncles used to say all they got that year for XMas was a baby sister. They were a hilarius bunch, and i miss them dearly.
So folks, if I may seem to you as a little deviant, mischievious, and sarcastic.... blame them!
For those posting shots of F Units... sure does make me wish MR had a centerfold!
I see the Diner is rolling along to Ed's schedule, I doph my chappeau. I just replied to a thread where forums themselves are questioned. Instead of the reply i did type, i shoulda just said visit the diner and all your questions would be answered. I think this thread itself is a must read by any of the members. Then I noticed they do,
Not much else happening on this side of the fence, Ill check back later i spose. For some reason, i feel like having some soup????
Green Lights!
Douglas
Good Evening,
The sun set about half hour ago but it is still warm outside, well what we call warm
Kevin, Happy Birthday,
I enjoyed the stop in New Orleans, It was my first visit.
I ran the Northern yesterday and will again. It is a very nice loco, too bad TLT had so many quality control issues. I believe it was made in Rapido's factory.
Nothing new here so I guess I'll go get the bird feeders. It is warm enough for the racoons to be out tonight.
I see I'm top of page so G and Ts in rhe Observation car!
CN Charlie
When we leave New Orleans tonight, we will cross one of the great bridges in the U.S., the Huey Long Bridge across the Mississippi River.
The railroad bridge is 4.3 miles long, has a 790 foot center span, and is 153 feet above the river.
It's a treat to drive across, and an even better treat to ride the diner across.
Edit: I'll add that it's a treat to drive across today. Before it was widened a few years ago, it was a tooth-grinding, white-knuckles on the steering wheel drive. I drove across many times, and each time I reached the other side I was saying a silent prayer.