Trains.com

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

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

38471 views
928 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    April 2016
  • 252 posts
Posted by Lazers on Saturday, January 9, 2021 3:41 PM

gmpullman
These talgo trains were never high up on my list of "attractive" trains  The diner will be spotted on the private car track in the beautiful King Street Station:

Hi Ed, I quite agree with you, re the above. I had heard about these trains in storage somehere, but only got a side view. I wondered what the Front-end looked like, with that raised black Dome.

I don't who designed them but IMO they had no concept of aesthetics. To me they look like an of an Animation version of a kids Push-along Toy. But thanks for the photo. At least some are in use.

To Ed and everyone, I am thoroughly enjoying this journey of a train based Jeffrey's 'Trackside' Diner as it traverses the States. Reading all your recollections of Railroad journeys and seeing all the photos is brilliant (if only I hadn't left it too late)

I have a great photo book titled, 'Heartland' by Greg McDonnell. I never get tired of looking at the photos and reading the accompanying text. Regards, Paul

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

  • Member since
    August 2003
  • From: Collinwood, Ohio, USA
  • 16,367 posts
Posted by gmpullman on Saturday, January 9, 2021 7:10 PM

I'm glad everyone is enjoying our criss-cross tour of North America!

I caught this train action just before leaving Seattle:

Pretty neat town. I'll have to stop back sometime. I have a good friend who lives there, in fact that conductor lining the D8 siding switch in the video could be his twin brotherCool

Did anyone see a Starbucks while here?

Tonight we bed-down in Vancouver. BRENT, you home???

Have a good evening, folks! Ed

 

 

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: 4610 Metre's North of the Fortyninth on the left coast of Canada
  • 9,352 posts
Posted by BATMAN on Saturday, January 9, 2021 7:41 PM

Yep, I'm here.

Welcome to heaven.Cowboy

I have been enjoying the trip Ed, great job.

I really hurt my back and sitting in a chair is a killer so I have not been around much. I'll try to dig up some Royal Hudson 2860 videos though I bet you are already on that Ed.

TF, after Canada lost to the U.S. I went to the Parlor car with credit card at the ready and no one even knew about the game so I am still flush, I'll buy for the night as we have quite the beer and wine industry here.

I haven't watched this yet but it looks interesting.

Time to lie down again.Sad

 

Brent

"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."

  • Member since
    November 2015
  • 1,345 posts
Posted by ATSFGuy on Saturday, January 9, 2021 8:50 PM

Hello from Southern California!

Been working on two HO Scale trains, a 90's Intermodal Doublestacker Hotshot and a 90's Era General Mixed Freight.

I will post pictures of them once they're finished, I have the drawings for each one.

Stay tuned.

  • Member since
    March 2017
  • 8,173 posts
Posted by Track fiddler on Saturday, January 9, 2021 9:02 PM

BATMAN

Yep, I'm here.

TF, after Canada lost to the U.S. I went to the Parlor car with credit card at the ready and no one even knew about the game so I am still flush, I'll buy for the night as we have quite the beer and wine industry here.

 

 

Oh no no no no no!  Beer and wine is not going to cut it BrentLaugh

Your words were "loser serves the top-shelf scotch"  if I remember correctlyWink

 

I'm sorry to hear about your back Brent.  I appreciate my back even when it works good, because I definitely know when it doesn't.  I hope you feel better very soonYes and I said a few words to the Man.

 

Ed, ...I didn't know we are having double stackers for dinner in Seattle tonight!  I'm glad you stopped the train to visit for a while!

The Double Stackers coming out of the curve into the S curveStick out tongueStick out tongueStick out tongue

Through the center of town, none the least!  The guy at the stoplight was bummingLaugh 

BNSF will surely take her time through that little hair-pinYes  Don't want to damage any skyscrapers in Seattle.  

I know we're hanging out here for the night but let's leave a bit late afternoon because I really like it here in Seattle.

Maybe shortly after lunch Ed,  like an hour or two as I like to sleep in, and Thank YouYes

 

 

TF

  • Member since
    March 2017
  • 8,173 posts
Posted by Track fiddler on Saturday, January 9, 2021 9:20 PM

Post Hog!

 

And just a follow-up Brent.

I have been scouring Saint Paul with some leads for the CP building.

I haven't found it yet but I just want you to know I'm like a bird dog sniffing all around town looking for itLaugh

 

I will find it, ... Eventually, ...Mark my words

 

 

TF

  • Member since
    February 2018
  • From: Flyover Country
  • 5,557 posts
Posted by York1 on Saturday, January 9, 2021 9:43 PM

Ed, thanks for the video of the Seattle monorail.

I attended the Seattle World's Fair in 1962.  The monoral then was such a symbol of the great tech future.

Everything at that fair impressed me so much -- the world had a bright future with all the scientific advances.

 

York1 John       

  • Member since
    January 2005
  • From: New Milford, Ct
  • 3,232 posts
Posted by GMTRacing on Saturday, January 9, 2021 9:46 PM

Good Evening All,

   Just bopping through but if Brent is buying - well then. Any Alexander Keiths Red laying about taking up space ?

  TF - close call. Glad it worked out for you. If you don't have access to a band saw you can look into various foam cutters and make a fixture with a back stop to make long cuts nicely. Probably less mess too. A lot of the sheets are available in 1/2" thick sheets usually with folds for easy transport but it will make a nice underlay if the lengthw work. I used a lot of it on the previous layout to make the forms for hills and such by stacking them. No pics from that layout anymore as I have no access to photobucket anymore.

   Well the beer hit the spot. Try to catch up again tomorrow with all Eds posts. It's really turning into a nice trip. I had been to the Cal State Rail Museum a couple of times. It's always interesting and I see new stuff each time. More houses to look at tomorrow morning.  Toodles,  J.R.

  • Member since
    March 2017
  • 8,173 posts
Posted by Track fiddler on Saturday, January 9, 2021 9:48 PM

Post Hog!  Post Hog!

 

Really you guys!  I've been home for so long it's getting to the point where I don't care what I look likeTongue Tied

I think I'm beginning to look like that guy from Dances with Wolves with the mohawk because I need a haircutLaugh

Do you think I look like I need a haircut? or do you think I'll get by for another month? Laugh

 

My shears are getting rusty,  honestly I haven't been to a barber for 25 years

 

 

PirateTF

  • Member since
    March 2017
  • 8,173 posts
Posted by Track fiddler on Saturday, January 9, 2021 10:03 PM

I had a band saw before I downsized JR.  I must say I miss it.

I won't be cutting foam with any circle saws anymore.  Today was actually quite stupid and I know it.  Back to Safety FirstYes  Had I have waited, I could have went out to Todd's and cut the foam on his band saw.

 

Would have been better

 

 

PH

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: 4610 Metre's North of the Fortyninth on the left coast of Canada
  • 9,352 posts
Posted by BATMAN on Saturday, January 9, 2021 10:23 PM

TF, you are right it was top-shelf Scotch. Here have a double and your hair will look just fine.Laugh

Brent

"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: 4610 Metre's North of the Fortyninth on the left coast of Canada
  • 9,352 posts
Posted by BATMAN on Saturday, January 9, 2021 10:27 PM

Post Hog!

Speaking of Worlds Fairs. Expo 86 was in Vancouver and who doesn't love a steam parade.

Brent

"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."

  • Member since
    August 2003
  • From: Collinwood, Ohio, USA
  • 16,367 posts
Posted by gmpullman on Saturday, January 9, 2021 10:53 PM

BATMAN
Expo 86 was in Vancouver and who doesn't love a steam parade.

I remember going to Expo '67 in Montreal. My only memory was my mom trying to tell my dad he was driving the wrong direction. He was so stubborn he kept going another 25 miles. He insisted the road signs were wrong (they were in French) my mother said if you think you're driving east why is the sun in your eyes at eight PM? My dad spent two years in France in WWII, you'd think he would have remembered some of the language?

YES Yes

 CP_2860 by Edmund, on Flickr

Welcome to British Columbia!

The plan is to haed back east as far as Winnipeg on the Canadian, then jaunt a bit south to St. Paul on the Great Northern. Still, open to suggestions, as always.

I finally got the girls to settle down at night so I can get a good night's rest:

 Pullman_NYC-suite by Edmund, on Flickr

They promised to keep the chatter down Whistling

People checking in to The Sutton Place in jeans and baseball caps?

 

The world is a beautiful place Bow

Enjoy a nice Sunday in Vancouver Big Smile

Cheers, Ed

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,797 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Sunday, January 10, 2021 12:08 AM

I'm sorry to hear about your back Brent. I hope you recover soon!

BATMAN
Time to lie down again.

I think that is becoming my anthem! One benefit of having messed up my shoulder and leg is that I can't lift anything or walk more than a few feet. If I don't lift things or walk my back doesn't hurt! Somehow I don't think that means that I have gained any ground.Bang HeadGrumpySigh

I got a kick out of watching the trains in downtown Seattle. Dianne and I got stuck first in line at a crossing a couple of years ago and we had exactly the same thing happen. One train stopped in front of us and the other train just kept coming, and coming, and coming...... At one point we thought we could see the end but it turned out that there was a long stretch of empty flat cars that we couldn't see because of the brush. There were still dozens of loaded container cars after the string of flats. We were stuck so long that all we could do was laugh. At least we had front row seats!

I guess one thing that a good railroader requires is a lot of patience!

Take care Brent!

Dave

 

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

  • Member since
    March 2017
  • 8,173 posts
Posted by Track fiddler on Sunday, January 10, 2021 12:20 AM

I'm Back!

 

And I'm Back in Black!

 

Nighty Night KidsWink

 

 

 

 

PirateTrack Fiddler

  • Member since
    March 2012
  • From: Georgetown, Maine
  • 573 posts
Posted by herrinchoker on Sunday, January 10, 2021 12:37 AM

Is it possible to cross Canada, taking in all of the Provinces, to Halifax--backtrack down through Maine, NH, and Vt. to NY, and then take a more Northern route through the US, hit the MP, and go through Brownsville Texas to Mexico City, then back North into the US ?? I seem to recall some very senic runs in Mexico.

herrinchoker

  • Member since
    March 2017
  • 8,173 posts
Posted by Track fiddler on Sunday, January 10, 2021 12:50 AM

Stobe the Hobo, (God Rest his soul) crossed into Canada taking trips all the time Herrinchoker.

I do miss that man and the remembrance of the engineers that slowed the train down for him.

 

I remember fishing on Rainy Lake when I grew up on the resort.  You had to be very careful about where you were fishing and what fishing license you had.  There is a division line on the lake and you can get in trouble if you cross it with the wrong credentials, even if the wind drifts you over the line

 

BordersIndifferent

 

 

 

TF

 

 

 

  • Member since
    August 2007
  • 2,123 posts
Posted by CNCharlie on Sunday, January 10, 2021 1:17 AM

Good Morning,

I'm still up as my wife decided to run the dishwasher and it is very noisy. A 30 year old Maytag that just won't quit.

Ed, you can also get to St. Paul from Winnipeg on the Soo Line. 

I recieved a book this week, Speed Graphics and Steam 1958 vol.3 by Ian Wilson. I have the first 2 volumes that where really great. The photos of CN and CP steam,as well as the narrative are exceptional.

Still running the Northern. I tend to run an engine for a while and then move to another. After the Northern I think I'll go back to the Pacific.

Nothing new here. My wife is stiĺl struggling with anxiety. 

CN Charlie

  • Member since
    August 2011
  • From: A Comfy Cave, New Zealand
  • 6,250 posts
Posted by "JaBear" on Sunday, January 10, 2021 2:44 AM

Sleeper by Bear, on Flickr

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

  • Member since
    August 2003
  • From: Collinwood, Ohio, USA
  • 16,367 posts
Posted by gmpullman on Sunday, January 10, 2021 3:42 AM

Greetings, all —

CNCharlie
Ed, you can also get to St. Paul from Winnipeg on the Soo Line. 

Sounds fine with me, we can tie-on to the tail end of the Winnipegger Cool

 

 Neenah_WI_Soo by Edmund, on Flickr

 

herrinchoker
Is it possible to cross Canada, taking in all of the Provinces, to Halifax--backtrack down through Maine, NH, and Vt. to NY, and then take a more Northern route through the US,

That could work. What I was thinking was to zip into St. Paul then on to the other Saint, that is Louis and on south to Florida from there.

Northward along the Atlantic coast all the way through Maine and into Nova Scotia and the Maritimes — then back west across Ontario and again, turn south from Manitoba and head through Denver and on into Mexico?

Plenty of options. I'll have to consult the Official Guide and my "Some Classic Trains" books. 

Bear, I've dealt with these types before. They're like cute, cuddly kittens in the beginning then all of a sudden you're waiting on them 24-7. Nothing but trouble, I tell 'ya!

 Heading East!

 CP-Via-1406 by Edmund, on Flickr

 CP_VIA_1 by Edmund, on Flickr

Cheers, Ed

  • Member since
    October 2020
  • 3,604 posts
Posted by NorthBrit on Sunday, January 10, 2021 6:13 AM

Thanks Ed.   A great journey.  

Vancouver.

Many years ago I watched a film of a container ship  travel half way around the world.   One of the ports  of call was Vancouver.   Seeing the cruise ships  arriving and 'lined up' at the dockside.   Still one for the 'bucket list'.

 

Coffee  Coffee Time   

 

Then some tracklaying at Crown Point  Yard.

 

David

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

I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought

  • Member since
    December 2015
  • From: Shenandoah Valley
  • 9,094 posts
Posted by BigDaddy on Sunday, January 10, 2021 8:21 AM

Next time you need thinner foam, do it the way MarklinofSweden does it.

Henry

COB Potomac & Northern

Shenandoah Valley

  • Member since
    May 2010
  • From: SE. WI.
  • 8,253 posts
Posted by mbinsewi on Sunday, January 10, 2021 9:09 AM

TF, you can also get the foam panels that fold, used behind siding.  They are 1/4" thick. I think you can also get 1/2" thick.

I'm with the Bear, on exchanging rooms with Ed.  You poor guy, how could put up with that! 

Must be the perks of being the tour guide! Pirate

Mike.

  • Member since
    March 2017
  • 8,173 posts
Posted by Track fiddler on Sunday, January 10, 2021 11:03 AM

mbinsewi

TF, you can also get the foam panels that fold, used behind siding.  They are 1/4" thick. I think you can also get 1/2" thick.

 

I did see that at Home Depot yesterday Mike but thanks for pointing that out.  This stuff has a thin plastic membrane on it that isn't too bad to peel off.

It probably would have been the better bet to buy that big bundle.  The decision was made not to because I needed 1/8 inch panels as well.  I figured if I had to cut 1/8 inch panels, I might as well cut the  quarter inch panels too.

It wasn't till later I realized how quickly an orbital sander with 60 Grit makes fast work of making foam thinner.  As always hindsight is the best siteSad  Oh well,  Next time.

 

 

TF

  • Member since
    February 2018
  • From: Flyover Country
  • 5,557 posts
Posted by York1 on Sunday, January 10, 2021 11:03 AM

Good morning.  Bacon, eggs, hashbrowns, and coffee in the diner.  I'll have a Bloody Mary with breakfast.

We visited Vancouver in the mid 1990s.  Unfortunately, we had just gotten a video camera that used VHS tapes, and that is what I have left of the trip.  The tapes are now on DVD, but I wish I had taken a regular camera instead.

We toured the city on a bus, then left Vancouver on board a ship to Seward, Alaska.  On deck while going under the Lion's Gate Bridge was pretty neat.  Great trip.  Eating breakfast on deck in freezing temperatures was an experience.

Ed, you've put together an interesting trip so far.  I don't have a preference for where we head next.  Riding the train is the trip, no matter where we head.

TF, glad to hear you're feeling better.  Brent, hope the back feels better.  Anyone else with health issues, I hope you get some relief.

York1 John       

  • Member since
    January 2007
  • From: Kentucky
  • 10,660 posts
Posted by Heartland Division CB&Q on Sunday, January 10, 2021 11:23 AM

Howdy ..... 

As I posted, my family took a long train trip when I was a Kid. It did include Vancouver. Then east on CP to Lake Louise where we stayed a couple of days or so. Next, we road on CP and Soo Line to St Paul. The part of the trip from Moose Jaw to the US border was with a CP steam locomotive hauling the train. It was 1957. At the border, Soo Line diesels took over. 

In 2002, my wife and I road the Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Calagary. We road at the leading end of a full length dome car. It was a grat seat for taking pictures. 

Below are some of the photos I took.

 

 

GARRY

HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR

EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU

  • Member since
    January 2007
  • From: Kentucky
  • 10,660 posts
Posted by Heartland Division CB&Q on Sunday, January 10, 2021 11:30 AM

More pictures.... 

 

 

Everybody ...... Have a nice day. 

 

 

GARRY

HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR

EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU

  • Member since
    August 2007
  • 2,123 posts
Posted by CNCharlie on Sunday, January 10, 2021 11:59 AM

Good Day,

Our warm weather continues, about 28F for this week too.

Ed, CP ran their Hudson from St. Paul to Winnipeg on this line in 2007. It is more scenic than Great Northern's line.

I went from Vancouver to Winnipeg by rail in 1960 on CN. We lived there for a year in '64/65 but that journey was in a '62 Galaxie 500. 

 Time for more coffee.

CN Charlie

 I see I'm top of page again so coffee and Tim Hortons donuts for all!

 

 

  • Member since
    March 2017
  • 8,173 posts
Posted by Track fiddler on Sunday, January 10, 2021 5:16 PM

Hello, ...Hello, ...Is anybody on the Train?

Maybe they all got off 5 hours ago and I'm missing a field trip or something hereLaugh

 

Well,  Judy and I talked about the idea of borrowing my buddies small RV trailer and doing another tour of the South to get away from the cold again.

But Judy's point is we can only look at the scenery outside and be cooped up in a little box for a week because you can't go anywhere or do anything.  What's the point of spending the money at that point.

So her next Brainstorm is she's looking for a cabin we can just get away for a while.  Bring a bunch of games, play cards, cribbage, Yahtzee, lots of food, some beer and whatever. Sounds good to me!

We're coming up with nothing.  There are fewer winterized cabins and there is none to be had because this is what everyone is doing we have gathered.

If anyone has gotten creative and found things to do in the pandemic,  Please be sure to let me knowYes

 

 

TF

  • Member since
    October 2020
  • 3,604 posts
Posted by NorthBrit on Sunday, January 10, 2021 5:35 PM

Good evening all.  Back from a little sightseeing.

 

Replanned and laid new track at Crown Point Yard and tested things.  Now to fasten it all down. Will do that tomorrow.

 

TF. Cannot help you much.  We are allowed out only for a short time. With this weather being as it is we have stayed indoors.  Not much fun for Dawn but I can run trains.

 

David

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

I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Users Online

There are no community member online

Search the Community

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Model Railroader Newsletter See all
Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!