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Railfan wish-list?

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Posted by MStLfan on Friday, July 27, 2007 5:18 AM
 edblysard wrote:

Oh, I don't know...

Maybe a small, simple monument on the Mall in Washington DC to all the men and women who gave their lives while on duty...

Something simple, like a boiler plate or a driver, with their names and road engraved on it.

I think you would be surprised at how many names it would have on it.

Sign - Ditto [#ditto]

And otherwise a cabride on the Swiss Federal railways Gotthard line (possible till the end of the year).

http://mct.sbb.ch/mct/en/reiselust/freizeit/messen_events/events/reisen-gottardo/reisen-fuehrerstandsfahrten.htm

greetings,

Marc Immeker

For whom the Bell Tolls John Donne From Devotions upon Emergent Occasions (1623), XVII: Nunc Lento Sonitu Dicunt, Morieris - PERCHANCE he for whom this bell tolls may be so ill, as that he knows not it tolls for him; and perchance I may think myself so much better than I am, as that they who are about me, and see my state, may have caused it to toll for me, and I know not that.
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Posted by dldance on Friday, July 27, 2007 7:45 AM

I think I would rather have a 1 year Amtrak pass than than the year of airplane travel - I am on a plane too much as it is.

dd

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Posted by spbed on Friday, July 27, 2007 7:52 AM

A cab ride over the Cajon Pass Smile [:)]

 

 

 Kathi Kube wrote:
Hi, all! Anyone interested in helping me out with the Fantrip column for the November issue?

I’m compiling a railfan’s wish-list for the holidays. So what would you love to give or receive as a gift? Some ideas floating around the office have been a lifetime supply of those little notebooks that fit in your pocket for recording train info, camera equipment, a good SUV to get you to any location, a year’s worth of free plane travel, or a copy of the Encyclopedia of North American Railroads that was just published. (I’m thinking a few guys I know might want part ownership in Steak ‘N Shake or Culver’s!)

Please be as specific as possible, as I’m going to try to find photos of some of them. Most of all, I want this to be a lot of fun.

Thanks for your crazy ideas! Remember, nothing’s too outrageous, but if you plan to give me that SD45 I want so badly, please remember to include the appropriate trackage.

Happy dreaming!
Kathi

Living nearby to MP 186 of the UPRR  Austin TX Sub

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Posted by jeaton on Friday, July 27, 2007 7:59 AM
 dldance wrote:

I think I would rather have a 1 year Amtrak pass than than the year of airplane travel - I am on a plane too much as it is.

dd

Sign - Ditto [#ditto]

But make it a well stocked private jet and then maybe we are talking.  (Used only when necessary to get to a "hot spot" or special excursion in a hurry).

"We have met the enemy and he is us." Pogo Possum "We have met the anemone... and he is Russ." Bucky Katt "Prediction is very difficult, especially if it's about the future." Niels Bohr, Nobel laureate in physics

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Posted by tree68 on Friday, July 27, 2007 8:11 AM
 edblysard wrote:

Oh, I don't know...

Maybe a small, simple monument on the Mall in Washington DC to all the men and women who gave their lives while on duty...

Something simple, like a boiler plate or a driver, with their names and road engraved on it.

I think you would be surprised at how many names it would have on it.

I suspect one could cover several large locomotives with such names.

LarryWhistling
Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) 
Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you
My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date
Come ride the rails with me!
There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...

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Posted by Anonymous on Friday, July 27, 2007 9:54 AM

Canon Digital Rebel XTi. My current camera sucks!Tongue [:P]

A copy of the book "Pere Marquette Power"

I'm with some of the guys above, I'll take a cab ride in ANYTHING!

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Posted by cherokee woman on Friday, July 27, 2007 10:28 AM

My first Christmas wish would be Peace on Earth!  

Second wish:  to meet, in person, all the fine folks at Kalmbach, and my forum friends who I have not yet had the pleasure to meet.

Third wish:  two cab rides; one in a steam locomotive, and one on a diesel locomotive.

Fourth wish:  for Amtrak to come back to Louisville.  They could come via Cincinnati, and bypass the bad trackage between Jeffersonville, IN to Indianapolis.

Fifth wish:  a train ride for three, going to Ohio, Nebraska, Arkansas Arizona  to meet other forums members in those areas.

Sixth wish:  a new digital camera and/or camcorder to record the events.

Angel cherokee woman "O'Toole's law: Murphy was an optimist."
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Posted by mudchicken on Friday, July 27, 2007 10:33 AM
 edblysard wrote:

Oh, I don't know...

Maybe a small, simple monument on the Mall in Washington DC to all the men and women who gave their lives while on duty...

Something simple, like a boiler plate or a driver, with their names and road engraved on it.

I think you would be surprised at how many names it would have on it.

(1) Sign - Ditto [#ditto] Me three!

(2) A book with a comprehensive history of the Big 4  (CCC&St.L) followed by the PRR Panhandle/ Vandalia Lines.  There is an absolute dearth of material on the subject(s) either in or out of print. Tired of hearing ad-nauseum about NYC east of the Alleghenies (those small bumps on the eastern end of the US) ... a big void in my knowledge base.

(3)

 

Mudchicken Nothing is worth taking the risk of losing a life over. Come home tonight in the same condition that you left home this morning in. Safety begins with ME.... cinscocom-west
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Posted by Mookie on Friday, July 27, 2007 10:45 AM
a house closer to the tracks with a sturdy rocking chair....

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

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Posted by WSOR 4025 on Friday, July 27, 2007 11:25 AM
A version of google earth that's like a webcam so that I could chase trains across the continent on my computer!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Posted by Modelcar on Friday, July 27, 2007 12:16 PM

....Kathi:  Some good photographs of the long gone...{1952}, Ligonier Valley RR at Ligonier, Pa.  Seems they are few and far between.  I have just a few....including the Doodlebugs and one engine. RR was Mellon owned.

Quentin

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Posted by MP173 on Friday, July 27, 2007 12:45 PM

An 8 hour shift as an observer/photographer in an operating tower.

ed

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Posted by Bob-Fryml on Friday, July 27, 2007 1:03 PM
 sarahd wrote:
 A CHANCE TO RIDE SUPER-C IN THE CAB OF SD45-2 5700,PAINTED UP IN THE BICENTENIAL SCHEME,STROBE LIGHTS FLASHING,HORN BLASTING,SHOOTING THRU SANTA ANA CANYON.

ALTHOUGH I SAW THIS TRAIN MANY TIMES I WOULD HAVE LIKED TO  HAVE BEEN ON THE TAIL END IN CABOOSE WATCHING THE TRAIN AHEAD AS WERE DOING 75 IN A 55 ZONE!!!!!

LONG LIVE CHICO!!!! 

Be careful of what you wish for, sarahd,

I once rode the caboose of the Super C as it made its way eastbound across the Mojave Desert from Barstow, Calif.  Due to the train's high speed, it kicked up an awful lot of dust and most of that dust seemed to pass through the crummy before scattering further in the wind.  Three hours later when the train arrived at the crew change point in Needles, the conductor, his flagman, and I looked like we'd been working in a coal mine all day. 

Better you should want to ride the Coast Lines General Manager's air conditioned business car tacked onto the rear of that caboose.  I bet that ride'd be smoother too!

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Posted by Anonymous on Friday, July 27, 2007 1:41 PM

A pass to ride in the cab of a bunch of different railroads, a scanner would be nice, and I suppose a "season pass" type of thing for Amtrak trains (just like a ski pass)

I'll have to agree with a lot of you, a private dome car would be nice!Big Smile [:D]

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Posted by TimChgo9 on Friday, July 27, 2007 1:56 PM

 WSOR 4025 wrote:
A version of google earth that's like a webcam so that I could chase trains across the continent on my computer!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sign - Ditto [#ditto]  Now THAT would be cool.....  I'd never leave my computer...Clown [:o)]Laugh [(-D]

How a bout a network of webcams?? All over the Chicago area.....all accessible from one site, and some at the other "hot spots" around the country...... 

"Chairman of the Awkward Squad" "We live in an amazing, amazing world that is just wasted on the biggest generation of spoiled idiots." Flashing red lights are a warning.....heed it. " I don't give a hoot about what people have to say, I'm laughing as I'm analyzed" What if the "hokey pokey" is what it's all about?? View photos at: http://www.eyefetch.com/profile.aspx?user=timChgo9
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Posted by Limitedclear on Friday, July 27, 2007 5:10 PM

 Semper Vaporo wrote:
Peace.

Duuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuude!

LC

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Posted by Semper Vaporo on Friday, July 27, 2007 5:28 PM
 Limitedclear wrote:

 Semper Vaporo wrote:
Peace.

Duuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuude!

LC

Thank you for putting an 'e' on the end of that!Bow [bow]

Semper Vaporo

Pkgs.

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Posted by Semper Vaporo on Friday, July 27, 2007 6:16 PM

 WSOR 4025 wrote:
A version of google earth that's like a webcam so that I could chase trains across the continent on my computer!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Do you realize how many trains there'd be with "safety vests taped to the top"?

Of course, every time I go outside now, I look up and wave... someday I'll see myself on GiggleEarp.

Semper Vaporo

Pkgs.

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Posted by tree68 on Friday, July 27, 2007 7:34 PM
 Semper Vaporo wrote:

 WSOR 4025 wrote:
A version of google earth that's like a webcam so that I could chase trains across the continent on my computer!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Do you realize how many trains there'd be with "safety vests taped to the top"?

Of course, every time I go outside now, I look up and wave... someday I'll see myself on GiggleEarp.

Not to drag this off topic, but I've long considered creating some form of "mega" art - thinking of airplanes at the time, but now, with satellite imagery - the possibilities!

I'm seeing some common items here.  Should make for an interesting article...

LarryWhistling
Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) 
Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you
My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date
Come ride the rails with me!
There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...

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Posted by Semper Vaporo on Friday, July 27, 2007 7:38 PM

Somewhere in northern England (or southern Scotland) on GiggleEarp there are some "crop circles" visible... and just to the northwest someone else has flattened out the shapes of 7 letters in two words... the second one is: "YOU".  Not "ART" per se, but a "statement" none the less.

 

Semper Vaporo

Pkgs.

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Posted by Anonymous on Friday, July 27, 2007 9:05 PM

Since it all seems to be trending in this direction.....

I want my retirement castle to be located on a Northern Idaho hillside overlooking at least three sets of Class I tracks.   Yeah, yeah, yeah, let me have a downstairs French maid and an upstairs Swedish maid and all that, but what I really want is a place where I can sit back and watch all the innovative concepts embodied in intramodal rail competition here in God's Country.......preferably 25/7/365......

It wouldn't get any better than that!  Anyone disagree?

 

Other than that, could we please get a list of all the places in the Pacific Northwest where one can combine railfanning with recreational opportunities, aka mountain biking, trail running, river rafting, et al?

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Posted by Murphy Siding on Sunday, July 29, 2007 5:14 PM
     By comparison to others, I guess my wish would be rather simple.  Can I have a Milwaukee Road RS3 please?  I have a norrow lot, with a 14' sideyard.  I could make that work.Wink [;)]

Thanks to Chris / CopCarSS for my avatar.

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Posted by miniwyo on Sunday, July 29, 2007 5:35 PM

What I want is a gathering of as many of us as we can get. A Trains.com convention of sorts. Oh and a cabride.

RJ

"Something hidden, Go and find it. Go and look behind the ranges, Something lost behind the ranges. Lost and waiting for you. Go." The Explorers - Rudyard Kipling

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Posted by swknox on Sunday, July 29, 2007 6:37 PM

 Murphy Siding wrote:
     By comparison to others, I guess my wish would be rather simple.  Can I have a Milwaukee Road RS3 please?  I have a norrow lot, with a 14' sideyard.  I could make that work.Wink [;)]

 

Murphy I have 100 acres you can use but I'm nowhere close to South DakotaLaugh [(-D] as you can see lol.

Cool site to visit http://www.trainweb.org/peninsularailfan/index.html - local site, very cool http://crcyc.railfan.net/ - Conrail site, also cool http://www.thedieselshop.us/MPR.html
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Posted by Murphy Siding on Sunday, July 29, 2007 9:46 PM
 swknox wrote:

 Murphy Siding wrote:
     By comparison to others, I guess my wish would be rather simple.  Can I have a Milwaukee Road RS3 please?  I have a norrow lot, with a 14' sideyard.  I could make that work.Wink [;)]

 

Murphy I have 100 acres you can use but I'm nowhere close to South DakotaLaugh [(-D] as you can see lol.

  I guess you probably do have the better site.  'Tell you what-if Kathy gives me the RS3, we can keep it at your place.Approve [^]

Thanks to Chris / CopCarSS for my avatar.

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Posted by Poppa_Zit on Sunday, July 29, 2007 9:59 PM
 eolafan wrote:

Kathi, my second choice would be a Rochelle style railfan park at Eola yard complete with either a covered viewing area like Rochelle or with big umbrellas, vending machines, bathroom(s), a built in scanner and perhaps a few barbecue grills. Yep, I know I am asking for a bunch, but what the heck.

Add a covered, weatherproof, heated and air-conditioned tower with huge picture windows (that open during nice weather) that is tall enough to see the entire yard and I'm there, Jim.

"Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. They are not entitled, however, to their own facts." No we can't. Charter Member J-CASS (Jaded Cynical Ascerbic Sarcastic Skeptics) Notary Sojac & Retired Foo Fighter "Where there's foo, there's fire."
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Posted by Semper Vaporo on Sunday, July 29, 2007 10:02 PM
HEY!  I didn't know Kathy was going to grant somebody's wish!!!!  If I'd a known that, I would not have wished for the totally impossible!

Semper Vaporo

Pkgs.

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Posted by Cederstrand on Sunday, July 29, 2007 10:45 PM

[What I want is a gathering of as many of us as we can get. A Trains.com convention of sorts. Oh and a cabride.]

On only 15 acres here, but could run some rail out to the end of the driveway and use it to check the mail. (note: if only for idle display, I would definitely go with steam). 

Cowboy [C):-)] Rob

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Posted by CopCarSS on Monday, July 30, 2007 7:15 AM
 Poppa_Zit wrote:
 eolafan wrote:

Kathi, my second choice would be a Rochelle style railfan park at Eola yard complete with either a covered viewing area like Rochelle or with big umbrellas, vending machines, bathroom(s), a built in scanner and perhaps a few barbecue grills. Yep, I know I am asking for a bunch, but what the heck.

Add a covered, weatherproof, heated and air-conditioned tower with huge picture windows (that open during nice weather) that is tall enough to see the entire yard and I'm there, Jim.

If we're going to make some Eola improvements, could we re-build the rickety old bridge that spanned the yard? Shy [8)]

-Chris
West Chicago, IL
Christopher May Fine Art Photography

"In wisdom gathered over time I have found that every experience is a form of exploration." ~Ansel Adams

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Posted by CShaveRR on Monday, July 30, 2007 7:23 AM

 Poppa_Zit wrote:
Add a covered, weatherproof, heated and air-conditioned tower with huge picture windows (that open during nice weather) that is tall enough to see the entire yard and I'm there, Jim.

PZ, I already have one of those (almost--my yard's too big!)

Carl

Railroader Emeritus (practiced railroading for 46 years--and in 2010 I finally got it right!)

CAACSCOCOM--I don't want to behave improperly, so I just won't behave at all. (SM)

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