"Our" Place reborn! 3rd Year of adults 'n REAL Classic Trains in a special environment!

Classic Trains General Discussion
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Hello Tom

Yes, I’ll stand a round to all in.

I certainly did note the 2nd anniversary - not sure why I didn’t make specific mention of it - must have just felt that raising an eyebrow (just like Mr Bond, James Bond) would be a suitably reserved, British style of marking the occasion!

I guess in reality it was because I’d pre prepared much of the post on the WP and then forgot to slot the right info in!

Certainly been plenty of good stuff to mark the occasion - Doug in particular has posted some thoroughly interesting info of some detail.

Pete - interesting stuff on the naming policy. I always felt BR naming policy after about 1975 (when names were ‘re-introduced’) was a bit sqew whiff - apart from the class 50s that is with their Warship names. Very few naming policies post privatisation have been up to much either.

I just read the other day that Nigel Gresley was keen birder and that is why he selected bird names for many of his loco classes, but I guess you will expand on that in the next instalment of your info.

The occasion when the fish freights was mentioned was when I was down in Beeston with a mate who grew up there. I don’t know if you know the station well, but there is a top quality pub adjacent to the platform (called the Victoria Hotel) and you can sit in the garden more or less right by the track. A public footbridge crosses the line here too (towards the old Plessey Telecoms Plant) and my mate was telling me about how they used to walk down there in the evenings to watch these express freights from said bridge. I guess they were coming down from Grimsby via Lincoln and on to Midland metals and heading for Trent Junction and the world.

Rob - when you look at the stuff some of the guys restore it would seem nothing is not really restorable - but even for the streetcar I mentioned they r

922

Oh and yes, CM3 - as you say that Chappel viaduct was interesting stuff - in real life it is impressive, but it was interesting to share the website with people, which I had to dig out for the purpose. We don’t tend to have trestles here (the wooden ones we had got replaced by brick or stone inthe early 20th C).

Can I see the food menu by the way, I think I’ll put in an order.

DL

923

Good morning Ruth. I think I’ll have a coffee with a spalsh as an eye openner and a number three to wash it down.Nice to see how good of a day we had ourselves yesterday, 5x[tup] {gold plated) for all for the efforts of yesterday. I see that the teutonic titans of the kitchen and Boris and Leon have managed to return the place to normal ( whatever that is ) [swg]

**Tom-**Yes the count is back mwa-ha-ha,actually you may see a few more day visits from me, I seem to be getting more of the early day type shifts,which is a pleasant change.I will put a warning out though, the next three days I may seem a bit off,I’m finally getting risd of a pesky wisdom tooth this afternoon so with two of the four gone I will be about half as smart[%-)][D)][(-D] The weekly idiot, is well just that lets leave it at that [tdn]

Doug-Wow the NYC stuff is still not bottomless,way to go we have set a new theme record by running it into a fourth day, and I imagine with no particular end in sight. Lars will be happy when he crawls in from the penthouse latter today[:-,]Great info really top notch stuff sir [tup]

CM3-I’m glad you liked the TH&B stuff. I’ll see if I can’t dig up a bit more for all to enjoy. It is a well loved railway still today. the people in Hamilton still refer to it as their railroad with pride even though it hasn’t existed in an independant form since 1986.They do still have the Srt deco station on Hunter street in Hamilton. It was lovingly restored stone by stone less than a decade ago, and still hosts passengers. Go transit uses it for the bus and train hub for Hamilton, and the CPR still bypasses the city streets of Hamilton using the tunnelss and bridges the TH&B put in in the 1930’s to keep trains a

924

Ahoy Cap’n Tom 'n fellow travelers at the bar!

Ruth, a bit o’ lunch is in order and today I’d like to try that great looking seafood salad special - #7 on the board if you please! A tankard of lager - Piels should be fine - and treats for the critters, small jar of pickled pig’s feet for Boris - a round on me - and the change is yours! [swg] [tup]

So, you’re taking off for the weekend, huh [?] Can’t say as I blame you, for you worked that pretty looking [censored] off yesterday, for sure! Guess Da Bossman will be hanging 'round the joint tomorrow with Cindy aboard! [:-,]

A great day was had by all who frequented the bar by the ballast to partake in our Second Anniversary Bash! Nice work, gents! [tup] [tup] [tup]

Does appear that we have a substantial amount of reading material, so much that I thought 20 Fingers himself returned with a mega-data-dump! Heaven forbid!!! I don’t know when I’ll get 'round to reading everything posted, but I’ll tell ya this: the pix are great!

Very good to see DL from across the pond with two days in succession of fine readin’ matter! Some witticisms from Shane (but no “report” from Mount Mentor’s Ace Reporter for the Anniversary!!). A nice Friday, all begun with another NYC Water Level from our barn weevil, Doug! [tup]

I hope Cap’n Tom has taken the day off, for he deserves a rest, having spent the majority of the time here. How many acknowledgments did he put together??? At any rate, I think we’ve all demonstrated our willingness to kick start the 3rd year sufficiently forward so that we’ll be 'round for an April 12th, 2008 Bash! [yeah]

I’ve got a few things to attend to, and the Mrs. is not at all pleased with my inattentiveness lately. Says I’m spending far too much time on the 'puter. She&#

925

Hi Tom and all.

Well RUTH I had just have a quick coffee[:O].but I have got a Doc’s appointment in a bit.( by the way I noticed you are wearing a wide smile this morning RUTH, can’t help but wonder why.[swg].

What a fantastic day yesterday and a great start today[^][tup].I will have to fully read the recent posts and will do the acknowledgements later if I may.

It was great to talk with you,today TOM .[tup].

I thought I would drop off the next installment

NAMED LOCOMOTIVE OF THE BRITISH BIG FOUR RAILWAY COMPANIES.(Part 3)

LONDON MIDLAND & SCOTTISH RAILWAY. (LMS)

The two big rivals who put together in the LMS were the London & North Western Railway and the Midland Railway. When formed the LMS went with the MR small engine policy, which was found to be inadequate for the West Coast Main Line of the L&NWR. In a trial between a LNWR Claughton and a GWR Castle the Castle out performed the Claughton. The LMS asked the GWR for a set of Castle blueprints which request was refused but the SR allowed the LMS to have asset of their Lord Nelson drawings this formed the basis of the Royal Scot class of 4-6-0s.

The Royal Scot was the LMS rival to the LNER Flying Scotsman train from London to Scotland. The Royal Scot engines were named after regiments of the British army, although when first built a few Scots were named after early steam locomotives, that ran on lines the LMS now owned. These engines had a neat brass plate below the nameplate with an etched picture of the original loco named. Two of the Scots were named ‘The Boy Scout’ and ‘The Girl Guide.

An interesting byline was that one Royal Scot went from having the shortest name to one having the equal longest when No 6121 went from H.L.I. to Highland Light Infantry, City Of Glasgow Regiment.

A smaller

926

G’day Gents!

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS (since my last narrative):

CM3 Shane at 9:15 AM today: Caint say anything ‘bout “You Might Be A Coalminer If . . .” other than to say it’s a “cultural thang!”

Thanx for the quarters - round ‘n visit. [tup]

DL at 10:27 AM ‘n 10:30 AM today: Eavesdropping my way through your Post I find the commentary extremely interesting. One of the benefits of being a bartender . . . [swg]

From the description of the pub locale to the restoration comments to the forthcoming Penzance round trip overnighter, I’d say you’ve covered quit a bit of territory. [tup]

Of course Pete ‘n I will have much to “report” once our late May adventures in Canada are over. Speaking with the Wolfman today, I know he’s excited about getting going - but of course FIRST we have our Rendezvous in St. Louis! [yeah]

Thanx for the Posts on this day and yesterday AND of course the round! [tup] [tup] [tup]

Rob at 11:14 AM today: So Count Robulla, you are cruising about in daylight, eh [?] Didn’t think “your ilk” could handle the brightness.

Have a suggestion for YOU: We haven’t had a Chief Chef [C=:-)] since the days (daze) of Nick - so why don’t you take that OPEN position??? With the H&H gals in constant need of supervision and your familiarity with the way things are done ‘round here, you’d be a natural for the job. Heck, you don’t have to a be a culinary magician, as Nick was, this is a tavern after all!! Kitchen is only

927

Good morning Leon! Nice to see you again! I know, I missed last night, had to work late and get up early in the morning. I just had a quick look through the window last night. This place was really crowded, wasn’t it? Yeah, I saw Manager Lars going up to the Penthouse suite with a bottle of wine in his hand. Yes, he was smiling all the way! How about a ham sandwich? It sounds good! Coffee, please!

A very busy day at Our Place yesterday! Oh, sorry, I mean the day before yesterday! A lot to read and learn! And a bunch of very nice pictures! Today it is only 34 days to the Rendezvous!

Doug – Thanks for the nice words!
You have worked hard and posted a lot of interesting material these two days!![tup][tup][tup] One of the first things I saw was those nice pictures of the RDCs catching up lost minutes!

Interesting story about GG1 #4877![tup] (And a nice picture of it!) For how many years did it run for NJ Transit after it was painted in Tuscan Red and where is it now? [?]

Thanks for the article, “Rails Northwest”![tup] 79” drivers on the Hudsons! I would say that is pretty good size drivers![yeah] Interesting info on NYC’s more famous steam locomotives! The Niagaras could out perform a two-unit E7!? With speed/traveling time?[?]

Very interesting to read about the booster![tup] I think that Class L2a was a very good looking locomotive, not too big just big and stromng enough!

Tasting terrible after “Wash. Biol. Surv”? What did they expect?[%-)] That was a good one![:D]
I love that pictu

928

Courtesy: http://www.viarail.ca/

This is ENCORE! Saturday - and - Photo Posting Day!

“Our” Place is CLOSED on Sundays!

G’day Gents!

Saturday in chilly, rainy and blustery mid-continent USA where the petrol prices are at $2.79 (rounded). Appears to be a slow start, but a start nonetheless - so draw yourself a cuppa Joe, grab a pastry or two and order a or breakfast ‘n let’s kick start the weekend! [yeah]

With no suggestions for a Tuesday Theme for the Day, I’ll either go with something from the archives, or skip it. Remember, whoever “suggests” must “kick it off”!

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS (since my last narrative):

Eric at 2:20 AM today: Figured that something like work kept you from your previous night’s Post. But not to worry, you began the festivities for our 2nd Year Anniversary in a most memorable fashion with your innovative ‘n inclusive “2”!! [yeah]

Seems as if you’ve managed to salvage quite a bit of your X2000 experiences on film, which is always a treasure to possess. Being able to “go back” for review of the times, places ‘n faces means a lot. One of these days (daze) I’m going to have to sort through my scores of Pix (35mm slides and others) . . . . Yeah, right!

Anyway, THANX for sharing those memories with us; puts a lot into perspective, fer sure, fer sure!

929

ENCORE! Saturday - 'n - Photo Posting Day!

The Passenger Railroad Fallen Flags of “Our” Place #12

New York Central Railroad

Here’s another Passenger RR Fallen Flag for the gang from Classic American Railroads:

A form of this was initially Posted on Page 122 of the original Thread

Caveat: The information provided is NOT all inclusive and is reflective only of the periods mentioned.

New York Central System (NYC)

Headquarters: New York City

Locomotives in 1963:

Diesel: 1,965 Electric: 65

Roll

930

Good morning Tom and friends. I’ll have a light breakfast, and whatever kind of cake that Eric was eating during his “coffee” break. Enjoyed the commentary from CM3 on the stuff we post, as usual, but the coalminer test at the end proved that I was definitely not a coalminer. Still , it was amusing. Manager Lars seems to be keeping to the secret areas and hidden passageways of the bar these days. It would be interesting to track his movements with a GPS one of these days. More great stuff from Eric as usual, and the part III British piece from Pete. Sure wish I could answer the questions that extend beyond the scope of the articles submitted, but I would need other articles to do it! I see Captain Tom also survived the recent festivities, and appreciate the kind words directed the way of this unworthy one. Nice continuation of the NYC theme too!

Yesterday turned out to be interesting for moi. The shelves were empty at work, so I did a little traveling, which started at the Metra train station in Crystal Lake. See the snow? By evening it was gone, as we had a nice sunny and warmish day

This is part of the Millenium Park in Chicago. Check out the silver “bean” on top.

Anyhow, here’s the reason I was interested in getting to the Millenium Park … it houses a the Metra South Shore Electric Line

The engineer of my train was nice enough to let me photograph t

931

Ahoy Cap’n Tom 'n fellow travelers at the bar!

Cindy, my oh my you are indeed a sight for a sailor’s eyes! No, I’m surely NOT flirting, just making an astute observation, my deAH! Ah, Saturday and the skies have a bit of blue, but from the looks of those clouds whisking about, I’d say we’re in for something not so good. Better “hit me” with a double “jolt” of JD as I check out the sandwich menu . . . . think I’ll try something a bit different today.

Don’t be surprised, but my Mets have caught up with the detested Braves! [yeah]

So, what have we got today??? I see Da Boss has been in with MORE New York Central! What a week - what a week of terrific lightining stripe material, and it doesn’t appear to want to end! [tup] Many thanx to all for such a fine outpouring. It’s been a week to remember, especially with our Second Anniversary Bash being such a hit. [wow]

Doug has been out 'n about I see. Some personalized train shots too. Chicago, Chicago - yeah, a fine “town” in many regards. [tup]

Eric in the desert returned with a rather LATE or EARLY “deposit,” depenidng of course on what time zone one is in. You are really the “anchor” for those who like that “Night Owl” lifestyle! [swg]

Noted the “count down” to the Rendezvous and it’s getting to be THAT close, huh [?] [yeah]

I see that I’m rambling on here, so best to get on with some pix and stuff, then get going on my “domestic chores,” oh the life of a married sailor in dry dock.

Many of these are reruns - but that’s what “Encore” is for, hope you enjoy 'em again . . .

[img]http://i48.photo

932

Hi Tom and all.

As RUTH has got the weekend off I will have one of H&H’s Breakfasts please CINDY.[tup]

DOUG Thanks for kind words on the Named Locos posts[tup], indeed there was 4 posts but it got reduced to 3 after I managed to delete the LNER one[:(][D)], still I will re do it, as in my humble opinion, they had some of the best names.

Many thanks for the parts IV and V of the NYC steam locomotives. A very comprehensive description of the engines.[^][tup]

Hope you had a great time at the L&RHS meeting.[yeah]

Great photos from the Metra South Shore Line.[tup] It was good you found a friendly engineer who let you takes photos of the cab and the inside of the car[^]. They do look comfortable seats.

Liked the ‘Silver Bean’[tup]

ROB H&H are really hoping you will take over the Head [C=:-)]duties.[yeah][tup]

Thanks for doing the tiding up at the bar after the anniversary bash[tup]. I was truly worn out making sure the bar was well stocked and after H&H came off duty, donned the Lederhosen and wanted to dance[:O] my energy was all used up.

Unfortunately BORIS and I have just learnt we are to be held back in year one in the typing class,[:(] but at least Boris is being sponsored by a keyboard manufacturer who is using the slogan “Even BORIS can’t break 'em”.[:)]

YES there this a great deal of hard work in getting those trolleys and trams back to their former glory a big[bow] to the volunteers.

MI

933

Ahoy Cap’n Tom 'n fellow travelers at the bar!

Cindy my sweet, just time for another “jolt” of JD, then I gotta get going. Had to get up to the Penthouse Suite to ensure that everything was ship-shape. The “grapevine” has it that Inspector Clueless and his sidekick, Mr. Doyle, PI, are about to look for “evidence.” [%-)] [%-)] [%-)]

Ah, I see the Bar Chandler has been in to square away the supplies before tonight’s gathering for Steak 'n Trimmings! [tup] Diligence, that’s what I like to see, diligence! By the way, you haven’t “found” anything ‘round here that, errrrr may belong to me, have you??? JUST wonderin’ . . .

Forgot to make mention of Da Boss’ idea of making trolleyMAN Rob the Chief Chief [C=:-)]. That’s a great idea and I think he should be DRAFTED! He’s got the “quals” - even though I’ve heard he has problems boiling an egg! <grin. Nevertheless, it was HE who brought those two gals (?) into our midst and it is only RIGHT 'n JUST that HE should supervise 'em! [yeah]

Nothing more to drop off, as I think the NYC has had quite a run on this thread and also over on Cap’n Tom’s lonely site too. [tup] Really been a winnAH!

Oh yes, Pete the term KNICKERBOCKER goes way, way back for New Yorkers. The Dutch were the original European settlers of what is now known as Manhattan Island. And there was a character known as Father Knickerbocker . . . well, check out this Wikipidea Url:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knickerbocker

Cindy, that was sooooooo good, I’ll take one more “hit,” and also spring for a round, then call a cab and get myself home! [swg]

Until the next time!

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Hi Tom and all.

CINDY I.am ready for a Holden’s Bitter now with around for the house and the Steak for[dinner] later please.

This weeks pics are from the Harz Railway and feature around Wernigerode and on the Brocken branch of the system.The Brocken line features grades of 3.3%.The locomotive featured is No 99.7242 3.

As It can be seen it was a bit chilly on the climb to Brocken with freezing fog[:O].

.

The last pic is the main line station at Wernigerode. The train is the HEX which is a play on words meaning Harz EXpress, but also Hex means ‘witch’ which this area of Germany is famous for.(Photos and info from Alan).

The pics should enlarge.

Pete

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ENCORE! Saturday ‘n Photo Posting Day!

at “Our” Place!

We are CLOSED on SUNDAYs!

Starting Sunday at the Mentor Village Emporium Theatre!

. . . April 15th thru 21st: Vertigo (1959) Starring: James Stewart, Kim Novak, Barbara Bel Geddes, Tom Helmore & Henry Jones - and - In Which We Serve (1942) Starring: Noel Coward, John Mills, Bernard Miles, Celia Johnson, Kay Walsh. SHORT: The Three Stooges - Nutty But Nice (1940).

Vertigo (1959)

PLOT SUMMARY:

[quote]
John “Scottie” Ferguson i

936

Hi Tom and all.

Just seen you call in LARS while I was doing my pics and thanks for the round[tup].

Does finding something of yours, where it should not be, and holding on to it in case it came in handy later for bargaining purposes, sound the what this trusty bar chandeller would do to his manager[?][:-^][:)].

Many thanks for the Knickerbocker Link, it was very interesting[tup]. I see there was even a link with Baseball with the name[tup].

As you say it has been a great NYC time the last few days[^][tup].

I see TOM has put the movies that are appearing at the Emporium this week. Different sort of films but great entertainment [^][tup]. I did not know that “In Which We Serve” was Richard Attenbourough film debut. With the Stooges as well another great week.[yeah][^][tup].

Well CINDY I am about ready for the Steak and to make sure the track gang is well supplied with ale tonight.

Pete.

937

Hi Tom and friends. Busy day today! I’d better get a bottomless draught before I run out of time. I see we have some new movies at the Emporium and book covers from manager Lars. Pete’s left some mighty fine steam pictures. Please forgive my hastiness, but I’ve been painting most the day and really wanted to get this done sooner.

Does anyone recognize this building?

Howabout what is just inside the entrance after descending 4 floors?

Inside the mail car

Here’s another control console for ya’ll

The end (literally)

Must run now to pick up a kid and visit a horse. More soon!

938

G’day Gents!

My final Post for this ENCORE! Saturday - and Photo Posting Day! Remember gents, “Our Place” is CLOSED on Sundays!

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS (since my last narrative):

Doug at 10:10 AM today: SNOW! Now that looks as natural as can be along a right-of-way! [swg]

Some interesting personal Pix! Really look forward to visiting Chicago with you, for apparently you have the “secret” to getting into situations where some fine railroading shots can be taken - without the grief I’ve experienced at Union Station. However, I know it all depends on timing and the personalities of the people working at the time . . .

Have a great weekend! [tup]

Lars at 1:41 PM ‘n 4:09 PM today: So, the Mets dropped one to the Nationals, eh??? Beat the good teams, lose to the not-so-good ones. That’s NOT a good sign, but it’s early . . .

Always enjoy the book covers you provide for the gang - very good stuff! [tup] [tup] [tup] That last one is a sure-fire-winner! [yeah]

Knickerbocker - now that brings back some memories, fer sure, fer sure. Let’s see: Beer ‘n basketball ‘n knickers immediately comes to mind. [swg]

Soooooooo, what is IT that you THINK you MAY HAVE lost somewhere between the bar and Penthouse Suite???

Enjoy the weekend . . . and thanx for the Email! [tup]

Pete at 3:32 PM ‘n4:21 PM ‘n 4:37 PM today: [wow] A three-bagger for today! Nice work, Mate! [tup] [tup] [tup]

Enjoyed your inclusive ‘n informative catch-up-Post; really covered lotsaground with that one! As I’ve said, it’s great being able to eavesdrop on the conversations going on ‘round h

939

Geez, it’s dark here! I can hardly find the mail slot. Must be a burned out light bulb. I saw the light is on in the Penthouse suite though. Somebody must have forgotten to turn it off, or… No, it couldn’t be.

Good morning Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!

I guess this last Saturday was a little bit on the quiet side. Most of the guys were probably home trying to recover from that long and busy Thursday!

Tom – It is actually pictures showing everyday things that in the end are most interesting (with a few excemptions!). At least that is my opinion.[:)] We tested the first train set for almost thirteen months before the revenue service started. That meant a lot of overtime and traveling. Spent more than 200 nights on different hotels during that period of time. It was hard work, but it was also a lot of fun! [yeah]

About Manager Lars I have no (?) clue why he was carrying a bottle of wine. Smiling! Hmmm.[:-^] Did you find that phone number? Of the “waiting passenger” in Toronto? Another hmmm. [:-^]

More info on NYC![tup]
Knickerbocker, New York - St. Louis? Did you ever ride it? I guess that was before you moved to St. Louis?

A Hitchcock movie, Vertigo! Starring James Stewart! I have to see that one. james Stewart is (or was) my favorite actor! [yeah]

Followed by a war movie, “In Which We Serve”. I have to go to the Mentor Village Emporium Theatre this week![tup]

Thanks for the Toronto pictures![tup] I recognize the ones from inside and outside of the Union Station!

Doug – I am afraid I don’t remember what

940

Good morning Tom and friends. I’ll have a light breakfast.

I pretty much spent the weekend painting the homestead. Got one more coat to apply to the kitchen tonight, and then I’ll take a break from from that particular type of work until next weekend. Started a little project over at the barn to keep birds from tearing out the fiberglass insulation, which I hope to complete after work in my “spare time” this week. Next week I’ll be going in extra early for some horse-sitting and cleanup. That will take a few hours each day.

Great pix of the reunion Tom, and nice to see Eric in so early. Getting to the Pioneer Zephyr … what you see is all they’re going to do. They don’t renovate back to a period, and many changes have been made. For exmple, here’s an annimated Zeph, the official mule of the Pioneer Zephyr, who narrates the tour in the baggage car

Here are the Budds, who “talk” to us in the observation car

The windows are projection screens, so you can see scenery go by, as well as popular attractions from the 1934 Chicago’s World Fair.

That only leaves the smoker and one passnger car. I’ll show pix of both at a later time. Have a great day!