"OUR" PLACE - SEE NEW THREAD!

Classic Trains General Discussion
3061

Hi Tom and all.

[bow][^][tup]CM3 on your elevation I’ll have a pint of the usual to celebrate.

Good posts again today and the MO-PAC and PassengerfanALs follow up is well worth repeating.

You are right TOM the photos by Duke are well worth looking at.

ROB Thanks for the info on the Illnois Central going to the CN. I’m suprised that I havn’t seen any of their locos yet even when I was in Green Bay. I hope you are getting on OK with the Wisdom tooth I had one out in January and it is no joke. Great stuff on the old railroad books some written years ago are real gems[yeah].

CM3 I guess the Tipple is the name over hear for a coaling plant [?].The later ones in the U.K. were monstrous concrete strcutures they were fed by 16 TON wagons which were hauled up the side and tipped in to the top. a mavellous sight for a youngster to see. Only the major depots had these. I believe that there are only two in the U.K. that have not been demolished
I suppose there were many different type of tipple in North America[?]. I guess this is a another part of the classic trains that has disappeared or have some survived.

Allow me to get a round in to celebrate PETE.

3062

G’day Guys!

I see Rob has been active, and during the daylight! <Good Grief, can we handle it?> [swg]

Nice application of the TH&B to model railroading. I’ve always enjoyed getting one or two pieces of rolling stock that isn’t “common,” so to speak. Of course now that I’m modeling more contemporary “stuff,” 40 ft box cars with “cat walks” are simply out of place. Although, I do have Fergies two box cars on sidings - in the CN and CP yards respectively. Gotta have 'em - great, great logo. Perhaps the best I’ve ever seen for a “home made” idea.

Glad you came up with something for “Pike Perspectives Day” or “Pike Day” in that I’m a bit reluctant to constantly bring up my this or my that. I think this gang has taken the time to browse my pix sites often enough to have seen it all before. The S Capades is a work in progress, however, so there should be something comin’ on it one of these days (daze)!

Glad you mentioned Remembrance Day for I’ve got something planned for it. Watch the SUMMARIES [tup]

CM3 is indeed a welcomed addition to the “fold” and all one has to do is scroll back to the early entries to find his presence. A real steady, realiable and very interesting guy for sure. [tup]

Appreciate the clarification regarding the NYC and TH&B - I thought that was “it,” but needed to have it confirmed. They say that comprehension is the 2nd thing to go … [swg]

Later!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

3063

Looks like I neglected to ‘see’ pwolfe Pete hiding in the shadows of my last Post! Howdy, Mate! [tup]

Always glad you stop by and you’ve certainly become a “fixture,” round here… [tup]

I completely neglected to mention the “Tipple” that CM3 brought up … thanx for the clarification! [tup]

Thanx for the round … hate to rush off, but I gotta get crackin’ …

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

3064

Congratulations CM3, a reward long over due and singularly deserved over these past weeks.[tup] Sorry to hear of the oral surgery Rob. The extraction surely has not effected the “wisdom” of your posts.[^] Tom, make it a double Crown and soda please, thanks. I needed that after the brief power outage. To think Progress Energy is asking for the greatest rate increase in their history.[:(!] I won’t go into that now.[V] Say, the 2 albums submitted by Fergmeister and Duke on “outdoor” live steam and a solid HO Pike (respectively) are really worth the viewing.[tup] If you haven’t “scoped” their efforts, you’ve missed something.

Great Fallen Flag Tom as always.[tup] Many years ago, when there weren’t the means or the room for a decent Pike, I began a stock pile of HO locos and rolling stock, knowing that some time “my day would come.” A “find” of 5 older Blue Line (all metal), 85’ smooth side passenger car kits [one in I.C. R.R. livery] was a “God send.” The observation was the “I.C.” with chocolate brown sides and bright orange window field, yellow striping, as I recall. The other 4 cars were of the U.P. gray roof, Armour yellow w/red lettering. The only problem was that I model B. & O. So, reluctently, I masked and repainted and lettered the cars for the B. & O. Another lucky ‘find’ was an American Beauty Line Pennsy 80’ day coach in tuscan red and gold lettering and pin stripes. The quality was so fine, I couldn’t bring myself to do a “makeover.” I still have it in its’ original box but it will likely remain a lonely yard Prop. If it were a Pullman sleeper in Pennsy garb, I could reconcile it appearing in a B. & O. or Southern Rwy. “lash up.” However, striving for accuracy, a “day coach” probably wouldn’t be Kosher.

So many fine Posts, so little time.[bow] First of all, its always great to rekindle the “Encore” of Roads like Mopac with the Budd memorabilia as a “clincher.” The classifications of the steam locos in the U

3065

Gentlemen all,my apologies for yet another extended absense-since my last note (seemingly posted to the wrong address-where did it end up Tom ? ) I have been caught with one of those 8-day weeks with extra evenings thrown in as a bonus-a sort of feast & famine kinda thing here-gotta get it whilst its there. Thought Id stop in for a pint or two on my night off before the last big 3 show assault…sooo…a very large bloody mary for me,in deference to the convincingly gothic atmosphere conjured up for Boriss birthday-the true old years night,when Herne leads the wild hunt over tree & under star and honest folk bar their door against the wee folk,intent upon mischief..........a large glass of whatever you are currently favouring [4:-)]TOM,a Molsons gold for ROB (or a small vial of pigs blood if hes still in " Mittel Europ" mode) for TED,I think, a classic “Pink gin”-stick a bowl glass in the icebox for an hour,remove,pour in a measure of Angostura bitters,swirl,empty-refill with large Plymouth gin,swirl gently,serve…repeat as req.—and of course,a round for the house in order to celebrate the recent elevation of CM3 to a rank more appropriate to his station-a good teller of tales is welcome in any company,and in this house we are especially favoured in that we have a man amongst us who can not only tell a tale ( a rare skill in itself ) and bring alive his love of the subject, But also had the good sense to make full & extensive notes of his experiences for later reference–[4:-)]TOM-If he wont publish of his own accord we will have to arrange a visit…[:-^]—BK-nice piece on the X2000,you even used Nordic grammatical constructions,neat [^]…you must have done some studying–PETE-Awright mate-howdya holiday go ?-did see something earlier,will go back & check, ROB-What do you mean--I thought " Canadian Tire" was the Canadian National bank-do you mean my sister has been lying to me all these years-these notes arnt real money,She told me I could exchange them fo

3066

Evenin’ Guys!

A couple of most welcomed Posts from two of our Permanent Stool members, Manager Ted and Chief Chef [C=:-)] Nick [yeah] [tup]

You covered quite a bit of ground with that Post of yours, Ted, power failure notwithstanding. What to say [?] If it isn’t the ‘puter Gemlins, now the utility company is out to getcha! [swg]

Sir Nick A bit of a gentle breeze from across the pond … blowing against the forces of nature, I should add! [swg] Always makes the capstone to a day when you visit with us and leave a bit of whimsy and some challenging thoughts to ponder. Happy that you’ve returned, especially on this day of revelry for CM3. In spite of our dwindling numbers, those who have stuck with it are making our cyber bar ‘n grill a happen’ place! [yeah]

Ted My airline pilot friend and neighbor is a consummate model builder. He too paints, letters, decals, and weathers trains, planes and automobiles (sounds like a movie title to me!). Anyway, I know my limitations and that’s an aspect of the hobby best left to those with the talent and patience. I’m the kinda guy who seemingly ALWAYS has to “touch” before the paint dries or “jiggles” before the glue sets.

In one of my display cases for retired HO “stuff” are about a dozen passenger cars (heavyweight - smoothsides and stainless) representing the railroads that I have traveled aboard. Got most of ‘em from IHC and they really provide me with a good feeling just to look at ‘em. Pennsy in several liveries – same for NYC; then the NH, CNJ, Southern and B&O. These are not complete consists, just a car or three for each road. So, I can well appreciate your keeping that Pennsy car ‘as is.’ It will look terrific on a siding, or one day in a display case.

Nick So, I’m not the only one who thought the “funny money” from Canadian Tire was the national currency! [swg] By the by – you owe me at least on

3067

Hey big fella-how`s yer luck,nice to get back amongst good company-will probly have to take a back seat this weekend ( some very late nights in store ) but will try and get in for fish and chips after tomorrows show–fondest regards to all,sleep well wherever you be,speak soon,nick[C=:-)]

3068

Good eveninig again gents. Leon just a water with a bit of lemon for tonight.

Tom Glad I could clarify the TH&B question for you.I’ll be looking for the rememberance day bit from you.[tup][tup]

Nick I’ll take you up on the beer next week, the penisillen I’m on precludes the use of alcohol[:(] Nice to see you back however. [tup] Not to worry when you come to see your sister you can always pick her up a nice gift with the CDN Tire money.[:D] They have morphed into a department store of sorts ( no clothes )

Ted & Pete Thanks for the well wishes on my mouth problems. I’m surviving it was a strait pull no impactions ( thank god ) coarse that ment I was there in the chair for it as opposed to out [xx(] This was an inevitable. the tooth had been filled then filling repaired third time wasn’t an option so out she came. I still have the rest of my set which are fully functional so all’s good

Ted Glad you enjoyed the TH&B bits. Seems to have flicked a couple of switches which is all good[tup] They were a neat little railway.I’m glad that I’m not the only one who gets PO’d with utilities gone mad[:(] again not worth gripping about here. I’ll join you in the rat’s patoot room. Nice story about your first train,indeed sad about the circumstances of the getting of it. I suppose we must be thankfull over here. The shortages and rationing went on alot longer in the UK than it did in Canada or the US. my dad has told me several similar stories about his time growing up during the war years. He turns 70 in january so he likley remebers the details of Dec 7th a bit clearer. The one train thing he always tells me about is how with the rubber and gas shortages in Canada during the war how he used to ride the NS&T with his dad and his uncle who worked for them pretty much exclusivley during the war years.

Well folks I’m gone for the evening Movie on the tube I wi***o watch. TTFN

R

3069

Eveing Tom and the gang, see I do come out at night…round of proper dinner cocktails, proper female company by candlelite and soft music…

Tom, have I got a treat for you and the group…from the Western Pacific’s mechanical archives comes this piece regarding their experience with the RDC…

Towards the end of 1949, losses to trains 1 & 2, The Royal Gorge, prompted WP to seek discountiuance of all secondary passenger service. Anticipating rejection of their application, Budd was contacted regarding the new RDC… Eventually permission was granted to dicontinue daily service, but WP was required to maintain triweekly service.

An trial RDC-1 was recieved at Salt Lake City on December, 15, 1949…Upon intial inspection, WP officials refused the test unless pilots and a baggage compartment were installed, Budd agreed to perform the temporary modifications. Actual trials commenced on January 17 and continued through the the 26th, operation consited of a round trip from Portola, Ca to Salt Lake City and return.

WP was impressed by the results and on January 23, 1950 placed a single car RDC-2 order with Budd, an additional RDC-2 was soon authorized on June 01, 1950. Both RDC’s were recieved the following May and July 1950 respectively and numbered 375-376.

After delivery the cars were put through a series of test which resulted in many modifications over the years, both by Budd and WP personal… Over ninety signficient modifications were instituted prior to 1954 with a few highlighted below.

1…Installation of nine-two passenger reclining seats immediatly behind the baggage compartment for the comfort of revenue passengers.

2… Installation of a second toilet in the small compartment adjacent to the baggage compartment.

3…Installation of a conductors desk at the small jump seat

4…Installation of body mounted pilots to both ends of the car

5…Installation of diagonal number b

3070

THURSDAY’s INFO & SUMMARY of RECENT POSTS

Good Morning!

Info for the Day:

(1) Today isFish ‘n Chips Nite. Watch for [C=:-)] Nick’s Picks! [dinner] Dinner begins at 5 PM!

(2) Friday is Pizza Nite along with Steak ‘n Fries. [dinner] Dinner begins at 5 PM!

(3) Saturday is ENCORE![/ day insofar as NOSTALGIA and Fallen Flag Posts are concerned.

(4) Sunday is SUNDAY PHOTO POSTING DAY! and of course the bar is CLOSED.

(5) Watch for the announcement for a ‘special’ participatory event for November 11th (Veteran’s Day – Remembrance Day – Armistice Day).

INDEX Mondays only!

SUMMARY

Name - Date/Time - (Page#) – Remarks

(1) siberianmo Tom Posted: 02 Nov 2005, 05:38:46 (153) Wednesday’s Info & Summary

(2) siberianmo Tom Posted: 02 Nov 2005, 05:44:26 (153) [purple]ENCORE! – MoPAC w/Al’s info

(3) coalminer3 CM3 Posted: 02 Nov 2005, 08:33:30 (153) Daily pick-us-up Post!

(4) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 02 Nov 2005, 09:48:52 (153) Inclusive Post, plus

(5) siberianmo Tom Posted: 02 Nov 2005, 10:57:57 (153) [purple]Permanent Stools Induction – coalminer3

(6) coalminer3 CM3 Posted: 02 Nov 2005, 11:55:44 (153)

(7) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 02 Nov 2005, 12:40:52 (153) censored!

3071

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

New York, Chicago & St. Louis – Nickel Plate Road (NKP)

Headquarters: Cleveland, OH

Mileage in 1950 2,192

Locomotives in 1950:

Steam: 392
Diesel: 117

Rolling stock in 1950:

Freight cars: 29,229
Passenger cars: 117

Principal routes in 1953 (after W&LE merger):

Chicago-Buffalo, NY via Fostoria & Lorain, OH
Toledo, OH-East St. Louis, IL
Toledo-Wheeling, WV & Steubenville, OH
Cleveland-Zanesville, OH
Sandusky, OH-East Peoria, IL via Lima, OH
Indianapolis-Michigan City, IN
Fort Wayne-Connersville & Rushville, IN
Norwalk-Huron, OH
Cleveland-Wellington, OH

Passenger trains of note:

Blue Arrow (Cleveland-St. Louis)
Blue Dart (St. Louis-Cleveland)
City of Chicago (Buffalo-Chicago)
City of Cleveland (Chicago-Buffalo)
Commercial Traveler (Toledo-St. Louis)
New Yorker (Chicago-Buffalo)
Nickel Plate Limited (Chicago-Buffalo)
Westerner (Buffalo-Chicago)

Enjoy! [tup]

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

3072

Mornin’ Tom, too early for anything heavier than dry Rye toast and a cuppa unleaded. We are finally into our dry season with temps hoovering around low 80’s daytime and upper 60’s evening.[^] Its good to see Nick and Dave back in the fold with their sage observations and valued good humor.[tup] BTW Nick, the “Pink Gin” is a winner, I’ll imbibe another later today.[tup] Thursday, so it must be fish ‘n’ chips, good. I really like that Kikkoman Soy Sauce as a tasty salt substitute on the poached Flounder fillets.

Yes Rob, I don’t know how businesses in my area operate with the frequent power interuptions. Its exasperating and then to add insult to injury they pass on a huge rate increase.[:(!] I’m looking into solar power for my next domestic project. I hope to help the Arabs drown in their own oil and U.S. energy moguls fry in their own fat.[tdn] While I’m [#offtopic], I may as well throw in the the Media’s tasteless coverage of Prince Charles and Lady Chamille’s visit. True to form, the alphabet media cartel (A.B.C., C.B.S., N.B.C., P.B.S.) dwell on Princess “D” and her untimely death instead of honoring the Royal couple with proper “pomp” and protocol. The networks must look under rocks when they hire journalistic reporters. If they would dig a little deeper, they would find the “political activist” editors. Really sick of it.[xx(]

There haven’t been enough posts to interface with as yet. So, I’ll just comment that “Pike Perspectives Day” is a sucessful idea for Wednesdays, congratulations Nick.[bow] Hey pal, I know what you mean about grabbing the gigs when you must. But, its the after hours things that will, in the end, cause a premature “burn out.” You might wi***o recall the old classic Pinocchio and the wiley Fox story. If it all eventually “comes together,” the real money will be from recordings, residuals, copyrights, et al.

Okay, I have a bit of information on the business side of the I.C. System but am reluctan

3073

Mornin’ Gents!

Another sunny day, a bit of wind pickin’ up and the temps are going to be near 80 (F). Juneau is curled up in his Husky position on the leather recliner, the galley has been cleaned and secured ‘til tonight, and I’m settlin’ in for another thrill packed day of retirement. [swg]

I see some Posts to acknowledge, so here goes:

trolleyboy Rob Posted: 02 Nov 2005, 21:57:18

Thanx for the contributions in spite of not feeling up to par. Hope you enjoyed the “flick” and today begins the cycle once again! Ain’t life grand [?] Compared to the alternative, no question it is! [tup]

West Coast S Dave Posted: 03 Nov 2005, 02:12:11

What a treat! This is not only thorough and accurate information regarding the RDC’s on the WP but it melds in quite nicely with the week’s RDC NOSTALGIA pieces. Two more comin’ one today and the last tomorrow. Watch for ‘em! [tup]

Let me add a bit of supplemental info to your narrative:

A press release in Railway Age on Jan 14th, 1950:

Shortly after the test runs, WP purchased two RDC-2’s with 71 seats and a baggage compartment in each unit. This train was called the Zephyerette, considered a compliment to the more renowned California Zephyr.

The manufacturer’s numbers for the cars were #5008 and 5010. Car #5008 became NP’s # B-31, Amtrak’s #31 in 1971 and was wrecked in Galena, IL in 1974. Car #5010 became <

3074

Good Morning All, coffee, please; round for the house and $ for the jukebox.

Lots of interesting material to read through today. As for “Mountain Railway,” you can find it on Nitty Grity Dirt Band’s epic, “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.” They back up Johnny Cash - bring tears to your eyes.

Tipple (down, Boris) is kind of a generic name here for a loading facility. Many times they were/are built as part of a larger facility that prepares (cleans) coal. You’ll hear them also called “cleaning plants,” “prep plants,” or sometimes, “loadouts.” It all depends upon where you are. The book C&O Railway in WV, recently produced by the C&O Historical Society, has some good pictures and diagrams. You can also visit their website and search the images they have posted there. Look at some of the pictures and you’ll get an idea why coal mines look kind of “out of place” on a layout unless you have a lot of speace to devote to them.

One of the high points in the book was some pictures of NYC 2-8-2s moving stuff around on the NF&G at Rainelle. This was truly a backwater of the NYC as was part of the old K&M line and jointly operated by NYC and C&O. A great modeling project if there ever was one. I have never seen a layour done on that line, but it would be interesing

I do model some in N scale - my cut off point is 1960. That way it’s not too much of a strain to backdate quickly when I feel like running steam.

I have been enjoying the information and exchange of ideas on the TH&B. Since we are doing modeling stuff today, here are a couple of citations from recent magazines.

June, 2005 RMC: “Anatomy of a Junction: Smithville, Ontario on the TH&B.”
July, 2005 RMC “Anatomy of a Junction, Part 2: Smithville. Ontario on the TH&B.”
Lovely color pictures and a wealth of information. These should be real easy to find.

The NYC-TH&B is indeed a tangled web.

Nickel Plate? One of my all-time favorites

3075

G’day All!

PASSENGER TRAIN NOSTALGIA #18

Here’s something to enjoy regarding the RDC’s from Budd from a 1953 advertisement found in my personal collection.

40 RDC’S FOR THE PROGRESSIVE NEW HAVEN

If anybody should know how to carry passengers profitably it’s the New Haven. Nearly half its income is derived from this source in contrast with most railroads where freight is king.

This adds significance to the fact that the New Haven has become the largest purchaser of Budd RDC’s – stainless steel, self-propelled, rail diesel cars.

In the nearly three years RDC’s have been operating in this country and abroad they have compiled an impressive record. In performance, they have improved every schedule they were assigned to. In operation they have proved both reliable and economical – two RDC’s saved one railroad $600,000 in a year. In the comfortable, air-conditioned service they render, RDC’s have increased passenger patronage – one RDC, operating in a new service between Worcester and New London, picked up 944 passengers in its first week.

Both New England and the New Haven will benefit from expanded RDC operation.

. . . . . . . . . . The Budd Company, Philadelphia, Detroit, Gary. . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Budd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . PIONEERS IN BETTER TRANSPORTATION . . . . . . . . . .

Enjoy! [tup]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

CHECK THE MONDAY SUMMARY and INDEX PAGES FOR MORE GREAT NOSTALGIA POSTS!

3076

Good afternoon Tom.I think tea only for me but I will leave a stippend for a round for all the fish and chippers tonight I think I’ll ask the chef to do an omelett for me ( still not able to quite chew on anything hard quite yet[:(][:(!] )

Tom & Dave Nice info on the RDC’s. Great stories, as I have said before slowley but surley I’m learning about the western roads. I had always thought that the Nickle Plate would have gone on forever. It and the Wabash and The Monon though small always struck me as finacially frugel roads. Though they did manage to get consumed by the N&W.

I may be wrong but I thought that I had read somewher that the Nickel Plate passenger trains to and from Buffalo were met by the NYC Empire State and thus accross southwestern Ontario to Detroit. I may have made this up though perhaps someone with more intimate NKP / NYC knowledge can confirm or deny.[?]

Yup Tom the alternative is non-negotiable. I am however healing up nicley and will soon be back to my beer swilling self ( least her in the either )[;)][:p][:D]I ended up missing the flick. Strictly speaking I saw the beginning and end credits.[:0][:(!] What was in between is still a mystery to me[|)][zzz]

CM3 Another nice all encompasing post [tup] Hopefully that train crew had the decency of having some “fortified” hot coffee or hot chocolat for you. thanks for the tip on the TH&B in craftsman. I had stopped buying it three years ago, it was starting to become to ad driven ( really as all magazines have ) Smithville not all that far from me, most likely a good portion of the trackage they disscussed there is still intact. The TH&B mainline is still there CPR to Welland and Buffalo now. CN’s cayuga sub and Dunnwville subs that cut through there are mostly gone now . Trilliam rail a local shortline still uses bits of the Cayuga to interchange with CN but it’s fairly dormant through there now.

I’ve seen the Hornby live steam adds too. Somehow it

3077

Afternoon all and thank you for the kind words about my pics.

The ones that are ridden are 1 ½” scale and also live steam. It is a steam meet in Apex,N.C. that I go to every year in Oct and someday hope to go to the one in the spring as well. I have a friend that has a 4-4-2 Atlantic that I have known since the days I was stationed at Dover AFB in the late 60’s and you can see a pic of him on it. He is known in his circle of friends (which are many) as Grandfather Steam and he has forgotten more about steam than most know now and is more than willing to help anyone out if there is a problem.
The other pics of the Berkshire were taken here in the lower peninsula of Mich between Bay City and Grayling. It is the 1225 that did a fan trip and I was told about it that week and it was a last minute decision to make the trip up to see her,sure glad I did. You don’t realize how big those machines are until you get up close,not to mention the smell of coal.

Well that’s about it so I think I will mossy on back to the CS and see what is happening there. Thanks again for the kind words and the hospitalty.
Talk to you later

Duke

3078

Some additional info for everyone. I have over the last 6 years picked up a set of books put out by Canadian Branchline Miniatures. They deal with CN’s stream operations in the final decade before dieselization.

All have been written by Ian Wilson,the books cover frieght trains passenger trains the stations and the industries served by them,including line drawings of the trackplans in every town small to large that CN touched in Southwestern Ontario , Toronto ( book 6 up comming next year ). Covers everything from North Bay to Windsor on the CNR. If you can find them grab them they are amazing. Great steam shots in colour and B & W and an easy to read way of writing that isn’t tech heavy or dollar and cents heavy. Just a good read.

I bring them up because alotof the complicated interchanges with NYC / CP /TH&B etc etc are covered and shown on the line drawings of the towns. That and the steam rosters and car types used on each subdivision.

Books are as follow"s

Steam at Allandale… Covers Barie to the near north
To Stratford Under Steam. Covers Straford Big shops Kitchener/area
Steam over Palmerston covers central ontario lake Huron area
Steam Through London…Covers london Brantford down to Windsor
Steam to the Niagara Frontier, Covers Buffalo to Toronto

Finally this year or next he will do Toronto the shops the trains the facilities etc.The first two are now out of print but copies do surface. they really are well done and worth the read.

Rob

3079

Afternoon Gents!

trolleyboy Rob Posted: 03 Nov 2005, 14:46:46 and 15:06:52

Another mid-day Inclusive Post! Now that’s the way to do it. [tup]

Those RR’s you mentioned just followed the path created by so many others. I’m not astute enough to know the “inner reasons” for bankruptcies and mergers, but when it came to just the passenger end of things (and that’s what my Fallen Flags focus on) there was no way they could carry on. That’s a story in and of its self …… what a mess, really.

Good info on those books, too! Where in the world do you find the time to keep up with all of this [?] I’m still disappointed about that book on BC Rail that didn’t pan out - but if it hadn’t have been for you, I’d never known it existed.

When it comes to the temperatures either where you are or here, warm weather in November is a plus no matter how you look at it. Sure, it’s hardly what we’re accustomed to, but I’ll take it …. Short sleeves while pickin’ up leaves, that beats being bundled up in frigid temps …… [tup]

Appreciate your stoppin’ by – as always!

bjdukert Duke Posted: 03 Nov 2005, 14:55:51

There’s a sayin; that goes, “To get a letter, one must write a letter.” Goes back to my time in the service when “mail call” was the thing most of us looked forward to. “To get a visit, one must make a visit,” applies to these Forums. It’s easy to become so wrapped up in a particular “place” that one misses out on quite a bit of good stuff going on elsewhere. One thing many of us ‘round here have concluded is that there is also a heck of a lot of “crap” out there and we do the best we can to keep it outta here.

For me – and speaking just for me – there’s just way too much going on over at the CS to keep up with. Overwhelmed me more than once. But that doesn’t mean, nor should it mean, that the ties cannot be maintained. Make sense?

3080

Hi everybody, just checking in for a after rush hour pick-me-up. I guess a Crown and soda is a good place to start, Tom Enjoyed the added Budd promotional material involving the New Haven passenger corridor. Hey, wasn’t the Nickel Plate one of the last Roads to retire steam? I recall somewhere reading of those beautiful Lima Berkshires (2-8-4) having been one of the last sizeable steam orders on any R.R. Well, Rob, you’ve done it again. No, not another wisdom tooth, the books to peak our curiosity on some fairly esoteric feeder lines, etc.[tup]

CM3, ditto for your reference books information. The W.P. must’ve been busy in the shops converting the Budds for proper electrical circuitry to activate signals properly. Surprise, surprise! The only worse “rude awakening” I can think of would be jumping off the Geep 9 over a trestle. You are so right about choices for wayside industry on model Pikes. Anything as ambitious as minning operations would be prohibitive for most layouts. Proportion is maybe the most negleted consideration but, on the other hand; “colors are made for taste.” N gauge surely is a “life saver” for folks wanting maximum operation with limited space requirements. I’m thinking of a parameter shelf N gauge in my music room.

There are many stories of “dirty tricks” that occur among road crews. One I heard was from a retired Pennsy engineer. He claimed that when double heading the grades approaching the “horeshoe” curve, the Fireman in the first K-4 was upset with the 2nd loco cab “dragging their feet.” He relieved himself on the coal shovel and at the tightest segment of the curve, “let fly.” Its probably true as he wasn’t one to exaggerate otherwise.

Westcoast S, great info. all around. Good to see ya again.[tup] Its really neat how Tom’s excerpts and your own “dove tail” together making for a: “total greater than the sum of its’ parts.” That (in my opinion) is what seperates “Our” Place from so ma