"OUR" PLACE - SEE NEW THREAD!

Classic Trains General Discussion
2501

Mornin’ Nick and the Boyz!

It appears that the Forums are back “up” and apparently have been for a couple of hours. I’ve been away from the “box,” but decided to check … addictive, isn’t it [?] [swg]

Well, that round of concern is over. Perhaps we’ll get back to our normalcy 'round here too. While we weren’t really inundated with visitors, there was a flurry. I expect we’ll not see 'em again, even the one’s who I welcomed. Just as well, for it didn’t appear to me as if any of 'em were really interested in the way we do things at “Our” Place. Oh well …

It would have been nice to have the support from our regulars during this troublesome period. At times it felt as if I was “alone” in the boat with all of the oars just sitting there. Again, oh well …

Nick Those pix of your layout are extremely pleasing to the eye. You’ve done well, my friend. Yes, I know it’s a work in progress, but that’s all part 'n parcel of model railroading. I’d love to see an “overall” shot of your design, whaddyathink [?]

Glad you liked that “reflection” shot - thus far you’re the only one to make comment. Sometimes I really wonder whether this stuff is worth the time and effort - then along comes some positive feedback, and all’s well again. Crazy, eh [?]

Lookin’ forward to more pix from you and those RDC’s should be interesting for sure.

I’m outta here again … Cindy still has the bar. Be nice, Boyz! [:-,][}:)]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

2502

Well, it appears I have missed quite a few days worth of activity. Fine photographs and for what it is worth, thank you to all who took the time and made the effort to share them. That is what makes a site like this worth the while. I think Tom outdid himself with the spread on his train voyage with Pete. Wonderful choices and the ones on his photo album are equally entertaining.

Oh yes - hello barkeep - whoever you are - Cindy is it? Well, I will have a tall glass filled with Beefeaters, a twist of lime and perhaps just a splash of Grenadine. Thank you.

I must make this commentary regarding the numbers of people who did and did not visit this fine establishment during the lock down or whatever the term. First - I agree that none of them will come back, they were in a panic state for the most part and had no where else to go. Pity, almost as if they have no lives whatsoever. Second - Where were the oracles of the forums. You know, the guys who seem to have all of the stars and have the longevity to go with it? Did not notice a one of them coming here. That cannot be just coincidence, don’t you know? I have always felt - way before I decided to “join” these forums with a “name” - that snobbery ruled. My suspicions are confirmed. I do not believe for one minute that the oracles want a site like this one to succeed, in spite of the foolishness they seem to perpetuate elsewhere. Jealousy, perhaps?

Taken in the entirety, Our Place has more to offer than any other site I have visited any where on the Internet. Those Fallen Flags are a stroke of sheer brilliance and keen insight concerning how to maintain and rekindle interest. The reports from several of your members are equally well thought out and compelling in nature. This is a credit to the idea of having a place to exchange railroad information all the while having a good time doing so.

This is a good place and there are some fine people who make it work. Do not be too harsh on your consituen

2503

Morning Tom and the gang…

Arrived in Vegas in the wee hrs. Saturday, cripes, barely checked when I was instructed to report for duty, can’t a man take a siesta first? Spent Saturday and Sunday in the field, 111 degrees in the dust and dirt, in a foul mood I might add, and returned to civilization this morning. I feel lower then a heel for bing AWOL during Octoberfest… Ok were were all the other regulars?

Tom would it be possible to dedicate, say every other Wendsday during October for a mini-Octoberfest, I volunteer to assist Nick and you know the girls and Boris are game for a good time and maybe, just maybe some of the regulars will put in a appearance.

Tom, Nick , and all the gang…Great job with Octoberfest, leftovers I presume? Cuppa Joe and what have we from the Mentor Bakery? Let’s see, a little this, a little that, no midrats or fast food from the BX please.

TrolleyBoy, I have a extensive PE libary, Reissue, I have the orginal series published by Ira Sweet, must be over forty years ago these were issued… I hope Morningstar releases the equiptment diagram guides, those would be on the “to buy” list. There were few interurbans that could compare with the PE for mileage and revenue, Sacramento Northern, South Shore, come immediately to mind, as you stated Canada had a few. There is a fantastic PE set available in VHS, I’ve got two sets just in case.
Tom… Any luck with locating the video we discussed on Friday?

Tom… I was waiting for those KC photos, the wait was worth it, fantastic. I had the oppertunity to transfer to KC several years ago, but the wife has this thing about Tornados, wild cows,person who place their appliances on the front porch and such nonsense, watcha going to do?

Well just got hunted down, catch you on the upside upon my return.

Dave [8D]

2504

Hi Tom and all.

A pint of Bathams please and if any of the sausages are left from Saturday.[?].

A really excellent collection of photos yesterday[tup][tup].Thanks indeed ROB BARNDAD RUSSELL NICK AND TOM(I DO HOPE I HAVE NOT LEFT ANYONE OUT).

Thanks for the link to the Illinois Railway Museum I will have to get up there some time.

There was a trolley system that ran from GRIMSBY to IMMINGHAM on the East Coast Of England which was owned by British Railways. I think it closed down in the late 50s or early 60s.They used cars which looked American in design. I will try and find out if any were saved.

I think the Trolleys were an important part of the rail-road heritage and I really apprciate the hard work that goes into restoring them to their former glory [^][tup].

Nice layout NICK[tup]. I am looking forward to the info on the Midland Baldwins.

I’ll have another Bathams to wash down the sausages and hope to call in soon. PETE.

2505

Hello again - it seems that just Mr. West Coast S and I are available this afternoon.

In browsing the other forums, it definitely appears that things are back to where they were before the outburst on Friday.

Regarding where the regulars are for this bar, perhaps Tom knows as he seems to keep a pretty good handle on things like that. I recall reading about several members who for an assortment of reasons, were expecting to be either missing or have reduced availability for a bit. Probably 4 or 5 pages back.

Oh yes, hello barkeep - Miss Cindy, I’ll have one of those extra cold bottles of Carnegie Porter from Sweden. It’s a bit on the dark side, with a chocolate character, but a treat every once in a while.

I must take my leave shortly, time for me to do what I do. Next time I return, perhaps I will have another report for you on some railroading details. Thank you for the kind comments made on my posting for those European classics.

I must make note of my appreciation for the Santa Fe and Union Pacific Fallen Flags (passenger operations, of course). I never really was much of a fan of that UP yellow, but always liked the AT&SF livery. Enjoyed the SP colors too. A nice thing about being in Chicago was that you got to see many more roads than say in New York City. One had the best of it all there with the terminus for east and west in the Windy City. Perhaps one of you can expound on that point much better than I.

On a different subject, I noticed there is a guy on the forums (I presume it is a guy) who has so many stars after his name that one should be impressed. This person has only been signed on since February of 2005. Now, what do you suppose he does his time? Sad, indeed.

Finally, I mentioned earlier that Tom should go a bit easy on his constituents . That is a two way street, some consideration should be given in his direction for the effort he puts forth.

BK

2506

I’m back…despite lurking 5 other forums and the MR Forums being back up, I believe I’ll drop by once a day and at least check things out.

I have forgotten who posted it, but the photo of the N Scale model of Union Station…WOW is all I can say. I think it was Tom…

I have a quick question: What exactly would you consider “classic” trains?

Well that’s all for now.

2507

G’day Gents!

Appears as if Cindy has everything going well. I expect that Leon the Night Man will be here around 5 PM (Central) to take over for the rest of the day. This will be the schedule for bartenders for the remainder of the week. I’ll open up – Cindy ‘til 5 PM, then Leon finishes up. Remember – Boris does NOT work behind the bar! Don’t even think of it …. [swg]

Some comments appear to be in order from the attendance today.

BK Pleased that you stopped by. Given that we really don’t know much about you, can’t comment in that direction. However, what you do have to say is appreciated. I’m not too sure that I require the “vote of confidence” you put into words, but it surely is appreciated nonetheless.

Dave Don’t be too hard on yourself regarding the weekend – we all have lives, commitments and other things to do. My chagrin is and has been over the apparent disinterest that sets in. It’s my problem and I’ll just have to deal with it.

I’d rather let the OKTOBERFEST simply wither away …… I remember one of my esteemed leaders telling me that when people say they haven’t got the time, it really means they don’t want to. This was more in relation to volunteering for things like leadership positions with Boy Scouts, youth baseball and the like. Always okay for others to do it, but heaven forbid one should call upon “moi’! Anyway, thanx for the offer – but let’s just let it go. The interest just isn’t there. Next time I’ll know better than to be so optimistic – perhaps just a one day thing, if at all.

BK You have some keen observations of the Forums and my guess is you spend a bit of time browsing, without signing in. I haven’t noticed your “cyber name” lately. Be that as it may, yes – there are plenty of “users” out there. People who don’t abide by any particular set of procedures, or care to. Call it lack of protocol,

2508

Afternoon, Pwolf, BudKarr, Guess, Tom has other affairs to attend to today, so we patrons need to keep it going. Monday’s tend to be quiet around here on the usual. Round of JWB if you could Cindy. We have Cindy, where is Nick?

BuddKarr, UP had some interesting spins of the traditional harbor Mist and Armour yellow, once upon a time Leaf brown was the standard, prior to the Harbor Mist. Combinations of all three colors were not unusual, until the paint shop forces caught up.
Without dispute it it has remained one of the longest lived liveries.

The SF Warbonnet is tough to beat in terms of style and recgonization, thanks in large part to the Lionel F3 that perputated the image to the masses, the Daylight livery was more a symbol of the times, georgous in it’s application and design, destined for a short life however.
The ACL, with it’s bold use of purple as the main color and the SCL Citrus is a great example of two of my East coast passenger favorites.

Even my beloved PE had a unique Scarlet red hue applied to selected interurbans, parlor cars that displayed this shade of red also recieved pale grey roofs, dark red,white and orange pinstripes, lettering and were assigned to premier Commadore Service which ended in the 30’s.

Today’s topic

How did you get your spring water in the old days? We all are no doubt familar with the brand, Arrowhead Waters… Yep, you guessed it, orginally a Pacific Electric enterprise.
As PE was extending it’s hold on the Southern California transportation market, tourist and city dwellers were prime motivation for devloping resorts and spas in the mountains surrounding the LA basin.

To that end PE, in 1913 built a branch to access Arrowhead Springs, high above Pasadena, intending to develop it as The Arrowhead Resort to counter the world renowned Mt. Lowe. PE never completed the grading or surveys upon reaching the base of the canyon due to WWI, at the conclusion of the conflict and

2509

OPEN LETTER TO TOM

Tom our postings must have crossed, I posted and there you were!

I’d like to contribute my [2c] to the Octoberfest diaster, I agree, it can be dishearting when you devote a tremendous amount of time to overseeing this group and ensuring we remain true to our purpose, somethimes just keeping the discussions fresh can be daunting. It’s tough keeping so many diverse personalities on a single focus

Perhaps, the events of last Friday will cause some of those displaced to seriously commit to coming aboard and participate with the group and contribute to our REASON FOR BEING: CLASSIC TRAINS .

Tom don’t get discouraged, I suspect were suffering growing pains, seems like only a short time ago we were all strangers to each other, now 126 pages and growing. You have my 100% support and I personally appreciate and applaud your efforts.

Boris, Tom needs a hug and a stiff shot of some 150 proof to revive him . Bong, bong, clang…
Ok, time to pony up some funds to keep this joint in the black, here’s my 20 for the jar.
Alright Cindy, Rounds for the house, set em up please.

Dave [:D]

2510

Evenin’ Guys!

It appears that one Bk started something today with his commentary. I am much taken into a rather humble state by the commentary now from Dave. What is there to say, other than to accept your words and carry on. [tup]

Dave I found a web site for the Arrowhead Water (company info):

http://www.arrowheadwater.com/aboutus/company.asp

Not to upstate your Post, but to compliment it. While I was in SoCal for my brief 2-year stint, I do recall this brand. However, never did I know of the history nor of the connection with railroading. Nor did I ever envision that 17 years later, I’d be talking about it through my computer! Amazing. Thanx once again for an interesting Post.

Some points to ponder regarding our regulars. I recall that passengerfan Al told us he’d be largely unavailable for a couple of months due to tax school. coalminer3 CM3 told us he’d be away for a couple of weeks, but maybe would be able to connect now ’ then. drwatkins *** is on his Global business jaunt, and when he does Post, it’s rather one-way in dialogue. earlydiesels Dan has either been away for the weekends and/or not feelilng well. Gunns Kevin has dropped off in terms of Posts, except late at night and those are disrupted because he’s balooning in New Mexico. CFournier Chris has simply stopped communicating. We have our regular regulars Theodorebear Ted - nickinwestwales Nick - trolleyboy Rob and West Coast S Dave. The remainder Post when they can, and all of them are appreciated - really are.

The chagrin comes only when there is anticipation of response and it doesn’t happen. That’s no fun and really is something that I need to work on - not any of you. The frustration mounts when I see the cyber names of those who said they’d be away, either here browsing or elsewhere, but no Posts here. What’s that [?] [%-)][%-)] I used to call this "Phantom Browsi

2511

Tom:

Ever since those blue pills, Boris has become quite fond of me. He will not be deprived of his hug.

I’m off to catch some shuteye and maybe hit some casinos tonight, the wallet willing!

Dave [8D]

2512

Gentlemen all,thank you for rallying to the flag-DAVE & BK-whilst the human members of the cast of Our Placeare quite capable of speaking for themselves,on behalf of Boris ( & clan ),Leon,Cindy & the girls,Clueless & Doyle,the track gang,the Mountain Dew fishing & social club,and the so far undiscovered sunday night “Kingston Town” domino game in the back room----Thank you for the glowing endorsement.[^]!!!–We will endeavour to live up to it…nick[C=:-)]

2513

Hello Tom. I"ll take something strong to help break loose all this crud in my lungs and stop the dry coughs, please.
I have tried to get page 125 to come up but my pc refuses to do so–so I am missing all the pix. Don’t know why.
Tom is correct in that I have been at the railroad and sick both. A new job was started on the 19th after a period of inactivity so my postings have not been as frequent as I’d like for them to be. I used to roam other sites but now believe Our Place is where I belong. My hope is that this bar n grill will get back to normal and dust will settle and the regulars will weave recollections and memories while we have a good time. I feel the regulars are a great group and Tom needs a round of applause for keeping this going. I will check in with everyone later and if we should be locked out, let’s try to stay in touch.

2514

O.K-back with another random thought-how about an occaisional midweek layout feature to complement photo sunday,[4:-)]Tom has set precedent with the Can-Am & S Capades tours-would be happy to set ball rolling…thoughts anyone…?..[C=:-)]

2515

Ive just found my list of notes to respond to,sorry guys-its just going to have to wait `til tommorrow,in serious need of beauty sleep…(just ask mother -in law)–6th night of playing music in 8 days-only another 4 out of the next 5 to go[tup]…progress reports may be erratic,take care,regards to all–nick[C=:-)]

2516

Gentlemen!

All of this outpouring of support has rekindled the spirit1 So, since Leon the Night Man is behind the bar, I’ll just pull up a stool and have a double JD on the rocks and impart a few thoughts … [tup]

This place is called “Our” Place for a reason - those of you who make it go are the “our” in the name. So it only stands to reason that your thoughts and recommendations should have some weight - and they do.

OKTOBERFEST has been established - it is “set up,” and the staff has been outfitted accordingly. So, for the Saturdays of the month - let the celebration continue! Ooompah rules! [tup] [swg] [yeah] [wow] If we can muster up just a couple of Posts (total) during each of the “key” 6 hour time slots, we’ll be okay: 6 AM to Noon - Noon to 6 PM and 6 PM to Midnight. That’s all it really takes. [tup]

Mid-week layout feature is a fine thought and one that could easily catch on. Let’s do it! You’re up first, Nick - just pick the Wednesday convenient.

Did you know that the 12th of October is our 6 month anniversary of the inception of “Our” Place [?] No kidding - time has flown. We need to make that a special date. Let’s have that mini OKTOBERFEST AND ANNIVERSARY PARTY on that date. Dave, you’re the man! [tup]

Nick - Dave and Dan, your comments and suport are greatly valued. By the by - Dan, this “thing” that has you down needs some medical attention. Hope you are getting it. Also, regarding getting the picures up on your PC - that is an oddity. Have you tried the refresh button [?] Yes, of course you have. Also, ensure you are logged in as well. Sometimes photo’s and graphics are problemsome when not logged in; don’t know why.

Dave Put a fiver on #8 for me! [swg] And,

2517

Good evening Leon a captain morgan’s please. BK Your commentary is of coarse well said. You are right sir Tom need smore hugs and such from the lot of us. We do tend to take our fearless leader for granted sometimes,late email responces etc etc. If it wasn’t for Toms tireless work and dedication Our Place would have been about as healthy as a DOdo bird[xx(] So Tom consider yourself hugged no Boris noooo Tom I’m getting your next four rounds no questions asked. Ted Thanks for the picture thumbs up. I only have the one shot of 416 uploaded on my railimages,more will follow I’m going to get a few internal shots etc. It will just take some time. I want to chronicle the progress on the car so that people can get the feel for what we do. This mini project is more for my museum thread but I’ll certainly share the highpoints here as well. The museum’s website has just one picture of the car i beleave with the car in service ib North York. Picture appears on the tiltle page of the website. Pete Thanks for the trolley talk. I would love to know the dispostion of those cars in the UK. I’m wondering if they were spme of the double ended PCC type. I know that ACF and ST Louis car did import several sub types of PCC’s to europe. Mostly the spain and the netherlands I thought though. West caost Thanks for the PE story. I never had researched the US interurbans much some really fine info there. I have worn out a coupke copies of the NS&T story video tapes myself so I can understand the want of having an extra. I’m not sure if you have looked but there was a local ( Toronto guy Ray Neilson) who has done alot of trolley & interurban and bus type videos and DVD’s.His company was called GPS videos. Ray was a member of our museum, unfortunatly he passed away during the summer so the films at the moment are unavailable. I know that he had produced several US ones as well. If you have any of his stuff hold on to it. It’s gold at the moment. nick Your idea of a mid week layout tour soun

2518

Hi tom and all.

A pint of the usual please.

May I add my thanks for TOM’s hard work so well put by the regulars.[yeah].

West Coasts Dave Thanks for the info on the liverys.The Santa Fe warbonnet must be a contender for the most well known diesel livery of all time.It was very well known in the U.K. with the Tri-ang models doing a popular HO scale version.
Is it true that the town of Santa Fe is on a branch line and I was wondering how the railroad got it’s name [?].[%-)] Hope to call in soon PETE.

2519

A late night (early AM) response - Rob Four rounds [?] Four! Now that’s “springing” for the drinks if I ever heard of the term! [swg] Okay, Boris Let 'er rip! [:O]

Pete Email received and I’ll respond in the AM. I’m gong to defer to the Santa Fe “Aficionados” for the answer to your questions … [tup]. Glad you liked the Fallen Flag.

Appreciate the ‘endorsement’ form both of you … not at all necessary. What is needed is to stick it out as a group when things get stressed 'round here. I believe the situation with the weekend was more of a case of limited availability on the part of our crew than anything else - really do. We had our “nucleus,” albeit not quite as active as we’d like, but those things happen.

Gotta get the SUMMARY out … it’s got lots of “stuff” to read. Speaking of reading, I just re-read the Posts from today (which is really yesterday …) and man oh man there’s lots in 'em. BK and Dave really put their thoughts into words. Some powerful stuff indeed. Page 126 is one to read again.

See ya! [tup]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

2520

TUESDAY’s INFO & SUMMARY of RECENT POSTS

G’day Gang! “Chewsday,” as some pronounce it! Check out The Mentor Village Bakery pastry case and our light breakfasts! Of course, the coffee’s hot ‘n fresh! [tup] By the way, for those old enough to remember Broderick Crawford, remember his TV show “Highway Patrol,” and his use of “10/4” [?] Well, today is “10/4 day!” [swg]

Info for the Day:

(1) For the observant – yes, I’ve changed the title of this segment from “News” to “Info.” Seems more appropriate.

(2) Did you know that DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME began on Sunday for those living “down under” in Australia – Tasmania and New Zealand [?]

(3) My 2005 railroad calendar for the month of October has a great photo of Union Pacific’s 4-6-6-4 Challenger #3985 at Sherman Hill, WY in Oct 1988 for a “photo run.” Beautifully restored machine for sure! [tup]

(4) *repeat]*Next Monday is Thanksgiving Day in Canada! We’ll come up with an appropriate menu item for our Canadian friends to enjoy. How about Back Bacon ‘n beer! [yeah] [swg]

(5) Wednesday, Oct 12th is the 6th month Anniversary of the creation of ”Our” Place. Plan to celebrate with us. [tup][tup][tup]

(6) Finally, our Saturday OKTOBERFEST celebrations will continue!

INDEX

Index pages for Fallen Flags , Heralds of the Fallen Flags and Passenger Train Nostalgia

Generic URL: Just insert the index page in place of “106,” copy ‘n paste ‘n “go,”

http://ww