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String Lining

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NDG
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Posted by NDG on Monday, April 1, 2019 12:48 PM

 

Single Track.
 
Montreal Tramways. 1924.
 
Back in the Beginning, Single Track was built on low-traffic routes in anticipation of Double-tracking at a later date. 
 
Single Track. d'Iberville et Rosemont. Looking North.. Note Arc streetlight on corner..
 
 
 
Google Maps.
 
 
( As it says in French text below. Advance North and Duplex on right in 1924 view can be seen beyond City tree-cutting truck @ 5975-9  d'Iberville. )
 
 
Note substantial Steel lattice poles set in concrete and track offset to left with room on right for future second track.
 
Track crossing has no connection w E/W Double Track.
 
From Here.
 
 
 
Same procedure.
 
One track constructed on West side Westminster. Second track never constructed. Bused 1953.
 
Tramways Sweeper Southbound Westminster 1934..
 
 
We lived about 1/4 Mile from here, Sweepers and Plows were FAVES!
 
 
Another Unusual route Was Davidson Rte 87 which ran North/South connecting CPR Angus Shops with East/West major Route.
 
At it's North end, Rte 87 looped inside CPR Angus Shops, using a Double-End car. (  Note CPR Steam Engine inside fence. )
 
 
Whereas, at it's Southern terminus, Rte 87 had a crossover, the South Car changing ends, and crossing over to North track.
 
Trackage.1948
 
 
 
FYI.
 
Regenerative Braking Cars Mountain Route 11. Montreal Tramways.
 
 
Thank You.
 
OT.
 
Classic Sicard Snow Plow/Water Truck. All-Wheel Drive. Cite de Montreal. White/Red trim.1960s.
 
 
Suicide Doors. Gasoline Pump in rear compartment.
 
Spray Nozzles Front spray diagonally. Ones in Centre side to side. Could be controlled independently from cab.
 
Tank filled at Hydrants. Small red light, Centre rear lit up when tank full.
 
Home Delivery Milk Truck right beyond. 
 
For the Modeller.
 
Sicard Snowmaster Junior Snowblower Cite de Montreal. Sixties Paint Scheme.
 
 
Mais Je Digress. Encore.
 

Merci.

NDG
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Posted by NDG on Thursday, March 28, 2019 1:42 PM
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Posted by cx500 on Thursday, March 28, 2019 10:58 AM

That might make sense.  The coaches do not look to be typical CPR style.

John

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Posted by tree68 on Thursday, March 28, 2019 6:44 AM

NDG
Early Diesel Fan Trip??

Possibly run by the Mass Bay Railroad Enthusiasts, who have been running fan trips since 1934.

LarryWhistling
Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) 
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NDG
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Posted by NDG on Wednesday, March 27, 2019 11:59 PM

FYI.

Early Diesel Fan Trip??
 
CP Alco-GE FA1 Excursion  April 30, 1950 On ebay.
 
 
 
Note White Flags.
 
Quote.
 
Railroad Enthusiasts Trip.
 
Canadian Pacific Train at West Lebanon, NH. Photo
 
Photo from April 30, 1950.
 
Unquote. 
 

Thank You.

NDG
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Posted by NDG on Wednesday, March 27, 2019 4:26 PM

 

CN 5080 and More.
 
Thank You for the Data, Sir.
 
Here is a Diagram of CN 5080 from CN SIG.
 
 
Here is ex CN 8454 in previous incarnations.
 
 
 
From Here.
 
 
Scroll Down.
 
 
 
Similar Locomotive from CN SIG.
 
 
 
Many CN S3 were converted to Slugs.
 
 

Thank You.

 

FWIW.

 

Back in the day, many CN Steam Locomotives were sent straight from Overhaul and the Paint Shop to the Scrap Line w NO Steam Miles.

 

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Posted by SD70Dude on Monday, March 25, 2019 11:09 PM

And while it's been a week since this happened, it wouldn't be right not to post this to String Lining, 4-6-2 CN 5080 has hit the road to restoration, and is now at the Aspen Crossing tourist railway in Mossleigh, AB. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLtZsmDXr3Q&feature=youtu.be

http://www.rypn.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=41623

https://www.aspencrossing.com/

5080 was overhauled 6 months prior to being put on display in Prince Albert, and only ran around 2500 miles during that time.  An excellent candidate for restoration.  Her tires in particular look brand new.

Greetings from Alberta

-an Articulate Malcontent

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Posted by Miningman on Monday, March 25, 2019 11:04 PM

Bottom Google map shows Jarry Park... original home of the Montreal Expos which later became the Washington Nationals. 

Watched at least a half dozen games at Jarry Park. Great fun place. A place like that would never fly today in MLB. 

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Posted by SD70Dude on Monday, March 25, 2019 10:55 PM

The last couple days have been like taking a trip to Montreal, only back in time.  So many streetcars, so much has been lost.  But I do love that Brill bus, and the story of its tempermental operation.

Also glad to see you are still enjoying the Weston Langford site.

When I was a child (not so very long ago) we would regularly take the bus across Edmonton, usually it was a GM New Look or one of ETS's unique New Look trolleys.  Both had a sideways facing front bench seat from which I could both watch the driver and stare out those fishbowl windows. 

On the LRT I would stand behind the cab door and peer through its window at the track ahead.  Usually the Motorman would not notice, but a few times I was spotted and invited in for a cab ride!

Couldn't do that today, what with cameras everywhere and all the paranoia about security. 

Greetings from Alberta

-an Articulate Malcontent

NDG
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Posted by NDG on Monday, March 25, 2019 10:15 PM

 

Slow. No Clearance.
 
 
 
Signs to Advise Motormen.
 
One for Speed entering Curves.
 
Second to advise that No Clearance on car overhang on ends on opposing passing cars on Curves at this location.
 
Some Curves were Spiraled Out so car ends would Clear.
 
Yellow Disc Sign and Curb indicate Autobus AND Streetcars STOP HERE. Sign has Bus Route Number on it. 
 
Same Curve, earlier.
 
https://i.imgur.com/pdeeHM4.jpg 
 
In above Images Building at end of street was once CPR's Jean Talon ( Park Avenue ) Station.  Note B/A Service Station Logo.
 
 
 
White Stripe on steel poles w/ Device atop = Streetcar Stop.  60 Years ago we used to pass thru this Pedestrian Underpass and listen to streetcars thunder across.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Thank You.

NDG
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Posted by NDG on Monday, March 25, 2019 4:10 PM
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Posted by Miningman on Sunday, March 24, 2019 7:01 PM

Thanks for the trolley rides today. Felt like I knew exactly what it was like to ride in the city in 1947. 

NDG
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Posted by NDG on Sunday, March 24, 2019 6:22 PM

 

FYI.
 
 
On lightly-traveled routes which were Single Track, often One-Man Double-end cars were used, these having a trolley pole and Motorman's position at both ends, the Motorman changing ends and poles at the respective Termini, if required.
 
Often there was a Loop at one end, sometimes a Wye, or a Crossover to opposite track in double track territory for special service, or, in Montreal, where buses were put on and route cut back, rather than building a whole new loop for a now-truncated route scheduled to be ' Bused ' in near future.
 
 
Montreal Double-end Single Man car turning on Loop @ Ahuntsic Stn. Route 24 Millen.
 
 
At the opposite end of it's run was a Crossover to turn back, as the rest of it's former route had been converted to bus in 1953.
 
Tramways Ahuntsic Station, Upper Centre. 1947.
 
 
At one time, lumber yard to the West, left was serviced by a Tramways' Spur and Electric Locomotives.
 
Anyway. With this type of car, if Motorman did not object, you could ride in rear Motorman's seat, look out the rear, view the controls and pretend.
 
 
Two Man Cars were used on Route 91 Lachine right to the end as they were required, with trackage cutbacks, to Wye at both ends of their Route at HIGH TRAFFIC CIty intersections and deemed more economical and SAFER than building off-street loops for time remaining until Autobuses took over.
 
When Backing, the Conductor lowered the rear window, looked out both ways, then signaled the Motorman to Back Up with his pull cord which ran the length of the car to a small bell above Motorman on Front Platform.
 
The Conductor also used the cord to signal Motorman to Stop when a patron wanted to get off at rear, or when ready to Go Ahead when all passengers had Boarded. Patrons could get off at Front, also.
 
The patrons had electric bell buttons on window posts to signal for stops.
 
Route 91 Lachine, crossing CNR Bonaventure Station Lead, St Henri, 1945. Note switch-type lamps on concrete-based traffic dividers.  The bases were round so they could be tilted and rolled to new locations.
 
 
St Henri. Top Centre. CNR St Henri Station in East Wye on line to CNR Bonaventure Terminus.
 
 
Curved lower CNR Tracks Electrified thru 1961 Central Station-Turcot East until end of Steam.
 
GTR/CNR St Henri Station.
 
 
From here.
 
 
 
FYI.
 
MTCo 1331 is one of 20 cars of this Class equipped with Regenerative Braking for the 8% Mountain Route 11.
 
 
Tramways Mountain Terminus, Park Avenue. Centre. 1947. Upgrade 8% to Summit Loop to left.
 
 

Thank You.

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Posted by Paul of Covington on Sunday, March 24, 2019 9:13 AM

NDG
The best place to ride was the right front seat, It was wood, set length-ways as there was a sand box beneath. Another seat similar, opposite on the left.

   They are called "beauty seats" down here.   I don't know if that's just a local thing.

   My favorite perch was standing at the right front window next to the motorman.   I don't think he minded.

_____________ 

  "A stranger's just a friend you ain't met yet." --- Dave Gardner

NDG
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Posted by NDG on Sunday, March 24, 2019 3:34 AM

 

Died and Gone to Heaven.
 
After the War, most of our travel in the City was by streetcar as we did not get an Automobile until well into the fifties.
 
We could walk to the Wye at the End of Steel, about 1/2 mile, or take the Autobus, the latter usually a Can Car Brill model, getting a paper Transfer from Chauffeur upon boarding.
 
1947 Can Car Brill. Gasoline, Manual Shift, Sliding Windows.
 
 
The bus was nice inside and had great seats more like those found in an automobile, the new status symbol. Television was still a few years away.  Both would change the World.
 
At the End of Steel we waited for our Car, Route 3A. Bus was Route 3B.
 
A streetcar was a streetcar, Two-man cars Green, Creme Trim, to signify that passengers boarded at the rear. One man car Creme Red Trim. Passengers boarded at the Front.
 
HOWEVER, A Twelve Hundred was SPECIAL! Larger, more train-like and already getting scarce as buses took over elsewhere. Mostly Rush Hour.
 
A Twelve Hundred. Ottawa Car.  Jan. 1912. Lasted Forty years.
 
 
The best place to ride was the right front seat, It was wood, set length-ways as there was a sand box beneath. Another seat similar, opposite on the left. That way you could watch the Motorman run the car, operate the doors and ring the bell.
 
You could also peer thru the tall narrow window in the front corner watching down the right rail and see upcoming special-work, prompting anticipation of the soon clatter and sway. Could also see the switch point and then hear it clack over electrically if set wrong. Motorman used the Controller to throw switch thru the trolley pole pulley brushing a long contact on the trolley wire.
 
A cautious Motorman would ease over crossings and switches, but, some were late, and in a hurry. The car swaying, standees hanging on the straps, too, with a satisfying rattle and crash from below.
 
You could gloat, seeing the rough ride coming, The rest of the passengers could not, and were discomfited. ( Aw! )
 
Other switches were manual, and a long switch iron hung in corner, clanging away on rail joints, which was inserted into hole in top of switch thru hole in floor, or he just got down and levered the point over.
 
More buses = fewer Twelve Hundreds. Then none at all. ALL Buses. All too soon.
 
There was a special Clinic for the new Salk Polio Vaccine. Day off school and a streetcar ride, which made up for the worry and the Inoculation.
 
The last time we went, the buses had arrived.
 
Years ago.
 
Note sand hose in front of rear truck. Air Reservoir and Electric Compressor ahead. Sand under length-ways hinged wooden seats. Other seats, Wicker..Note folding steps and the hand holds right front corner by door, so Motorman could climb to roof to get at trolley pole. Crossbar and receptacle to mount front headlight.  If something hit the Front wood crosspieces under the car, they would release the cross ways catcher inside the front steps before the front truck.
 
Many cars had storm windows, applied and removed, fall and spring. Their turnbuckles on window-posts. Grills kept arms and heads in on curves and passing trucks and other cars. 
 
These cars had trolley voltage on the Controller on the front platform and a Line Circuit Breaker on the left above the Motorman's head.
 
On starting on a steep hill, packed with Standees, the Breaker would often open with a bright Arc and a loud report. The car would roll back. Motorman would reset breaker with it's handle. Some times two or three tries were required to start.
 
Smart motorists stood back from streetcars, AND the Gasoline Manual Shift Brills. Very hard to start moving on grades, especially if Clutch deferred maintenance and Driver wanted a Diesel with Automatic. 
 
When newer cars arrived, Twelve Hundreds and older cars prohibited from routes with steep grades.
 
Going DOWN grades with standee loads could be TENSE, especially if rail greasy, snowing or leaves from trees.
 
Work Cars had to take circuitous routes around certain grades if required to go there to do work.
 
 
Great for a kid  to see and ride, just after the War.
 
 
End of Steel. 1947. Later 1200/1300 Backed in. Centre Image. Building two blocks East, Fire Hall 46. Bus turned back West, here.
 
 
 

Thank You.

NDG
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Posted by NDG on Thursday, March 21, 2019 11:18 PM

 

Maybe, Maybe Not??
 
Some say this is the last CNR Freight movement in Montreal behind Steam. Oil Transfer to Refineries in East End, 
 
 
CN 4190 used until recently on this job.
 
 
CN 8503 New 1959. 
 

Thank You.

NDG
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Posted by NDG on Wednesday, March 20, 2019 8:04 PM

 

Dam Wrong Name.
 
I had it wrong. Dammit.
 
 
Sorry.
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Posted by BaltACD on Wednesday, March 20, 2019 1:57 PM

NDG

Looks like a war zone - and it was - Mother Nature vs. Humans - Mother Nature won!

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

NDG
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Posted by NDG on Wednesday, March 20, 2019 9:42 AM
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Posted by CSSHEGEWISCH on Wednesday, March 20, 2019 7:17 AM

I have read that the motorman involved in the CTA disaster at 62nd and State was known as a hotrodder and had a less than satisfactory disciplinary record.  The underpass on State was flooded at the time and cars were being short-turned at 63rd Street under the direction of a route supervisor.  The motorman was speeding at the time and failed to reduce speed for a crossover which in this case diverted him into the gasoline tanker.

The daily commute is part of everyday life but I get two rides a day out of it. Paul
NDG
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Posted by NDG on Wednesday, March 20, 2019 12:49 AM
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Posted by Electroliner 1935 on Tuesday, March 19, 2019 9:16 PM

tree68
The French Citroen automobile had steerable headlights, tied to the steering wheels.  Not in the US, though.

Back in 1947, Preston Tucker manufactured 51 Tucker automobiles that had three headlights where the middle one was connected to the steering system so as to direct its beam in the direction the car would go. Unfortunately, the business was not a success. 

From Wilkipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:1948_Tucker_Torpedo_8511815871.jpg

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Posted by Overmod on Monday, March 18, 2019 3:41 PM

NDG
Blueprint says fitted with Economy Piston Valves and Superheater.

http://www.cnrha.ca/node/658/

Is this locomotive a one-off, or were others so fitted?

I am NOT an expert on CN steam, but it appears to me that the diagram (not blueprint) specifically mentions only a few examples of O15c, and 7311 is specifically called out as being the example with the conversion steam chests.  The Wagner throttle would be a 'logical' thing to try at the time these chests were being marketed, and a big confirming thing for me is the installation of the superheater to give best steam quality in what could only be relatively slow service ... not the place most railroads found real returns on investment in superheating, I think...

Something to check -- I am sorry I don't know -- is to see if the Universal company (it was a brand name, not a term of art, if I recall correctly) offered a combined installation with the vertical cylindrical bores for Wagner throttles incorporated within -- it would make sense, as maintaining a dome throttle with superheaters leads to Really Stupid Problems if there is any priming carryover.

As an aside, note that the bore of the piston valve does not 'match' the bolted cover dimensions; the axis of the actual valve in there lines up with the actuating rod from the 'Stephenson' valve gear ... and the attachment point of that interesting curved pipe connecting the valve heads on both sides with a rise to spill condensation down through the valves.  Perhaps this is simple and obvious but just not known to me, but it seems to me to be as great a mystery as the other sophisticated-for-the-time innovations tried on perhaps just this one locomotive.  It's in the general place for an exhaust-steam bleed for a feedwater heater, but I see no evidence of one.  Equalizing pipe for drifting? 

NDG
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Posted by NDG on Monday, March 18, 2019 3:03 PM

 

O 15-c.
 
Thank You, Sir! for the information!
 
Agrees with my thoughts regarding Valve Placement atop steam chests. 
 
 
Blueprint says fitted with Economy Piston Valves and Superheater. 
 
 
Is this locomotive a one-off, or were others so fitted?
 

Thank You!

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Posted by blue streak 1 on Monday, March 18, 2019 12:48 PM

BALT.  Notice that there was once a track on the outside of the curve.  Wonder why that track was not kept as that curve would be less severe?.  Maybe train on next curve would not have stringlined?  Was there a problem outside of that area that precluded keeping that track? 

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Posted by Overmod on Sunday, March 17, 2019 11:40 PM

NDG

I believe you have an installation of Wagner throttles on that locomotive.  The device was patented circa 1912 and beloved of Livio Dante Porta (who spelled it "Waggoner") -- it is like a pop valve in reverse, a small spool that uses a small portion of available steam pressure to move a larger valve body proportionally.  If that is right, I suspect the axis of the bell crank extends through the smokebox to the other side.

VERY fast action with very good fine control, and no losses in the tract downstream of a typical throttle when steam is shut off; I suspct the latter being important in Canadian winter switching.

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Posted by tree68 on Sunday, March 17, 2019 7:47 PM

Many coal delivery trucks, in addition to having a dump body, also had something of a scissors lift which allowed the body to be elevated in order to dump to higher points (perhaps such as this shed, although there isn't a drivable surface that I can see).  

LarryWhistling
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Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you
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NDG
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Posted by NDG on Sunday, March 17, 2019 3:57 PM

 

   On top of what I assume are the coal bins (I'm from the south, far from coal country and cold country.) there is what appears to be a beam under two inverted "V" shaped brackets.   What is that?

 

Vee-Shaped Objects.
 
The Upside-down Vee-Shaped objects on top of Coal Bins
 
 
Are ' Stops ' to support hinged covers to coal bins when in open position for filling bins with coal.
 
The procedure here would probably be to bring coal by truck or bring it in box cars and wheelbarrow coal across a plank from car door to bins and dump it in.
 
Company Coal was a large part of Railway Traffic.for locomotives, buildings and Stationary Power.
 
We burned Coke and Coal at home and a dump truck would arrive by window for Coal Bin in cellar, it's tailgate having a small sliding door which was used to pour coal into a belt loader inserted in window..
 
Many box cars had small end doors for loading dimensional lumber, or coal thru ends.
 
Thank You.
 
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Posted by Paul of Covington on Sunday, March 17, 2019 2:09 PM

NDG
Gateman's Shanty. Many of the Gateman's Shantys in Toronna had STEAM Locomotive bells as warning devices. John Street as Example. There were several others. http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2739ql1Er5s/TwpOaEjH3aI/AAAAAAAAEK0/uBQ8m8MXCxg/s1600/%25236.jpg

   On top of what I assume are the coal bins (I'm from the south, far from coal country and cold country.) there is what appears to be a beam under two inverted "V" shaped brackets.   What is that?

_____________ 

  "A stranger's just a friend you ain't met yet." --- Dave Gardner

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