"OUR" PLACE - SEE NEW THREAD!

[siberianmo]

Good Evening!

I see a Post from rrandb RR - feel free to drop in whenever you are able, always welcome 'round these parts. Perhaps you will have something to share with us regarding our subject of Classic Trains. By the by - I will refrain from Posting your Natal Day unless and until you authorize it for inclusion on our Birthday Watch List!

Numbers counts can be a misleading indicator of one’s contributions to this or any other thread. We’ve had a couple of guys more interested in rollilng up the count rather than providing Posts of substance. We much prefer the customer with something to say, along with a wit to go with it! [swg]

Later! [tup]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

Good Evenng!

. . . . . . . . . . ENCORE! ENCORE! . . . . . . . . . .

GREAT BRITAIN PASSENGER TRAIN NOSTALGIA #1 from multiple sources {prevously Posted on page 130)

Here’s something to ponder with regard to our appreciation and fascination with
Classic Trains, this time from Great Britain! Check this pre-WWI poster out!

ENGLAND & SCOTLAND

EAST COAST ROUTE

GREAT NORTHERN, NORTH EASTERN & NORTH BRITISH RAILWAYS

SHORTEST & QUICKEST ROUTE between LONDON (King’s Cross)
…………………………………. and ………………………………………….
EDINBURGH, PERTH, INVERNESS, ABERDEEN
…………………………………… &c ……………………………………………
DIRECT ROUTE TO GLASGOW AND WESTERN HIGLANDS.

DINING CARS – SLEEPING CARS – CORRIDOR TRAINS
…………………………………… and ……………………………………………
LAVATORY CARRIAGES.

London-Hatfield-Hitchin-Huntingdon-Peterboro-Grantham-Newark-Retford-Doncaster-Selby-York-NorthAllerton-Darlington-FerryHill-Durham-Newcastle-Alnmouth-Berwick-Dunbar-Edinburgh, Perth, Inverness, Aberdeen and Glasgow.

Enjoy! [tup]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

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

[wanswheel]

Hi Tom and all. Cyberbrau will do, and a round for the house.

Happy Birthday CM3 and you might as well go for broke on the Coal $huttle now that you’re down to your last fifty.
Pete wherever you are, have a good trip and a Happy New Year.
John we figured you’d get a round tuit explaining USNS.
P what’s happening at Baker Street Station?
Al somewhere in this thicket is a gem of a post about a diver on an icebreaker.
Doug sorry to hear you got busted for jaywalking. How’s the food in the big house?
Rob I didn’t see that post about deadman safety features before. I may need them for my car. Also your index made it easy to locate that Peter Witt fellow, doors in the middle, how efficient.
Ted forgot to say before, Ella kept those toy poodles in a green and yellow basket. She’d Take The A Train you know.
Dan, see what you started by watching White Christmas? Now there’s a theater in the works for train movies.
Russell, Danger Lights starred Robert Armstrong, who later brought King Kong to New York and Mighty Joe Young to Los Angeles.
Nick, there’s an ancient flick “The Flying Scotsman” ever ride it?
Tom, maybe you could find a reel of that 3 Stooges short for me, “A Pain In The Pullman.”

I went to Times Square on New Years Eve about 20 years ago. Never again, once was plenty. Couldn’t move, jammed in like sardines. Scary when the crowd sways and there’s no room to move your feet. Then walking back to Penn Station, dozens of empty whiskey bottles tossed in the air to land where they may. Probably tamer nowadays. They spent billions to make Times Square boring.
I miss the old fashion mechanical signage and real neon. *** Clark on ABC is the most famous one to the younger generation, but in the old days it was Ben Grauer on NBC. And Guy Lombardo and his Royal Canadians on CBS.

I like the pictures at these links to Hoseshoe Curve
**"**Visitors today still marvel at the grace at which trains wind throug

[pwolfe]

Hi Tom and all.

A tot of Navy rum tonight please.

ROB Thanks for the CNR Steam #1 encore[tup]

[bday] CM3 as I will not be around for the Our Place bash. Hope you had a good day[yeah]

TOM Great link about the New Years Eve Ball TED mentioned. I did not know that a ball was lowered at Greenwich so the ships Captains could set the time. It was the coming of the railways in Britain that were the reason the time in Britain was standardised to Greenwich Mean Time. Although by tradition the clock on the North British Hotel adjacent to Edinburgh Waverly station is even to this day runs a couple of minutes fast.

Thanks for the encores[tup]. On the East Coast Route one is still possible to travel to the stations in Scotland mentioned by direct train from London Kings Cross. Although Selby is no longer on the main line as the route was diverted for the Selby coalfield in the 1980s and I think Ferryhill no longer as a station. Great seeing those station names [^].
As, all being well, I shall be in the Old Land, may I take the oppertunity to wish
THE OWNER, STAFF, REGULARS AND FRIENDS of OUR PLACE
A VERY HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR
and special; thanks to KALMBACH for allowing us to have such a WONDERFUL PLACE[tup][tup][tup] pete>

[nickinwestwales]

What ho my lambkins,are we all in moderately good form ?-at this point in the festive week a certain feeling of lassitude is to be expected,just the one great peak of N.Y.E to be scaled then we can settle back into the slow & even torpor of our daily lives [^]…
Have spent the last few days variously occupied with sleeping,playing with my new virtual train set Xmas present,reading several new books and rummaging around through our various sheds & attics to find,repair & clean all the lights,slave amps,ludicrously over powered speakers and other bits & bobs needed to put on a proper show,prior to our N.Y.E extravaganza in the local rugby club.
[4:-)]TOM-might I trouble you for a Staropramen please-many thanks for your card by the way,nice one [tup]-will you join me in a little something to keep out the chill ?
Well,just thought Id check in,let you all know that Im not dead yet-will be back tomorrow to start making birthday arrangements,speaking of which,many happy returns to our man of the moment-long may you continue my friend.
O.K-I`ve just put my smoke out in my beer-I think this is a hint from a higher power that I should seek out the warmth of the marital bed,sleep well my friends,speak soon,nick[C=:-)]

[trolleyboy]

Good evening Tom and the rest of you ourplacer’s. A round of Keith’s for all those wishing to partake. Oh and another sack’o’loonies for the coal scuttle. Tom you will remember that I put a dual curencey converter in the wurlitzer, so it will accept CDN coin without needing to visit Vito in his fine establishment.

Busy day for Encores again all good ones[tup] I will periodically run my index with any new stuff added as it happens.This may be my last day for posts untill the second,fairly busy weekend comming up. If that is the case then let me wish all of you here a wonderful and safe new years.

Ted & Tom I loved the times square url BTW good info fer sure. Does anyone know if *** clarke is even doing the show this year,I know that he has not done anything since his stroke last year. I’m sure that he will do it if he’s able and if he does I do hope that he has some help.

CM3 [bday] Greetings allow me to catch a jug of your favourite on your return in the new year.

[#welcome] Richard, I do hope that you stick with us, we aren’t to bad of a lot here, just watch out for Hilda and Helga the Teutonic mother daughter olympic arm wrestling champs

Mike Glad that you were able to find an intersting tidbit with my index. I’m sure that ted will agree with me, in saying that the Witt cars were some of the best all steel cars made prior to the PCC. Certainly the Witt’s at our museum are the cars I most love to operate,80 years old and they still go like there is no tomorrow ! Most cars today have a deadman it’s called the airbag restraint system LOL! [swg] Loved the url’s for the horseshoe curve. Not the same without pennsey loco’s schreaming around the bend but oh well, at least it’s new owners haven’t pulled up the tracks for better efficiency or something.

Pete I’ve said it before but happy trails.I’ll try not to add to many new bits to my classic series while you are gone.

Nick Gday

[trolleyboy]

ENCORE of Classic Juice # 5 First scene on page 142
Enjoy , again Rob

[quote]
QUOTE: Originally posted by trolleyboy
The Berlin & Waterloo Street Railway later The Kitchener- Waterloo Railways

The first public transit in the towns of Waterloo and Berlin ( now Kitchener ) was provided bu the B&WSR which incorproated in 1886 This was a 2 and a half mile line in downtown Berlin from the Berlin town hall on Scott street down to Ceadr street in waterloo ( the towns now cities are built on top of each other )
This line carried passengers and mail and was a "horse car line "

In march of 1893 the company secured permission to electrify it’s mainline.Due to a small bas e of capitol it took two years to complete the electrification. Power was purchased from the Berlin gas company which installed a new edison generator for this purpose. The first cars to run were three of the former enclosed horsecars which had new vestibules added and a Pekham electric truck with one 25hp westinghouse motor.

The old 30lbs T rail was replaced by lite 56lbs rail and the line was extended to Ontario and young streets in Berlin. In 1899 new management purcahsed two purpose built open cars from Ottawa car and coach as well as Two more closed ex-horse cars were purchased from an unknown sorce.

Another change in management in 1901 resulted in the purchase of more cars one new ( the first double trucker } from Ottawa car and coach., and two more second hand from Buffalo.Thes cars were bought for the new just completed bridgeport line.

In 1902 a further extention of the Scott street line in Berlin and was extended to madison street in waterloo where a new larger car barn was constructed.In 1905 a steam powered powerplant was built into the carbarn which allowed them to stop buying power from the

[trolleyboy]

ENCORE of Classic Steam # 4 Niagara Passenger trains,first posted on page 170
A second encore for all the steam and passenger train buffs out there. Have a good evening.
Rob

[quote]
QUOTE: Originally posted by trolleyboy

Okay so up next in continuation of today’s classic passenger train scheme of things…

Classic CNR Steam #4 Passenger and Mixed Trains to Niagara Falls

These are the passenger and mixed trains that called on Niagara Falls Ontario in the mid to late 50’s. As layed out by Ian Wilson’s Steam to The Niagara Frontier.

Number 86

Hamilton to Niagara Falls section of number 83. Modified schedule on sunday’s.
Cars off number 83 in Hamilton formed consist of train 86. Engine came off of number 95 from Niagara Falls. Usually a stream lined 6400 or a 6200 class northern.

Number 87 and 84

Fastnight mail train Toronto to Niagara Falls . Did not officially handle passengers: not listed in the public timetable.Most express to Hamilton came in on 87, by the caar load. About 90% , if not all express to Niagara Falls came in on 84. Circa december 1957, carried storage car of box baggage or refridgerator type for Hamilton and Hamilton transfer mail, set off in Hamilton and returned on No. 108. circa may 17 1956 at least one (each) Toronto-St Catharines and Toronto-Niagara Falls express reefers, carried mail in authorized space in baggage car between Hamilton and Niagara Falls. At Merriton , the switcher removed at least one express car from 84 and set it behind the station for unloading and transfer to NS&T Red Onion. The consist of train 84 at Niagara falls wa used to make up numbers 95 and 91. Usually powered by a Bullet Nosed betty until mid 1954. After which older mountains or 6400 class streamilined mountain or older

[jlampke]

Evenin’ Tom; A double Absolute & grapefruit, please, and a round for the boyz. We’ve been real busy here, and it’s now 2200 PST. I just wanted to wish CM3 a Happy Birthday while it was still the 29th. [bday]
Don’t know your fist name, but I wish you a great year to come, my friend.

John

[siberianmo]

FRIDAY’s INFO & SUMMARY of RECENT POSTS

We open at 6 AM all time zones. (Don’t ask how we do that!) [swg]

Good Morning! Join us in a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee, pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery and our specially prepared breakfasts! [tup] [swg]

ENCORE! Daily Wisdom:

Treat mule-headed men the same way you’d treat a mule your fixin’ to corral. Don’t try to drive ‘em in. Just leave the gate open a crack and let ‘em bust in.

Info for the Day:

(1) Reminders:

Birthday Bash for CM3 set for Friday, January 6th!

This week the focus will be on ENCORE! pieces. Enjoy! For barndad Doug – passengerfan Al and trolleyboy Rob recommend you forego your “special” Posts until January 2nd. But, by all means dig out an ENCORE! or three! [tup]

The next Sunday Photo Posting Day! is January 8th.

The name for the Pickled Pig’s Feet Jar holding the quarters for our Juke, Herr Wurlitzer is now: Coal Scuttle – a submission by trolleyboy Rob! [swg]

(2) The Top 15 Contributors to ”Our” Place through Page 200: (figures in brackets denote number at Page 100)

1st . . . . Theodorebear Ted

[siberianmo]

Good Morning!

. . . . . . . . . . ENCORE! ENCORE! . . . . . . . . . .

Here’s another Fallen Flag for the gang from Classic American Railroads: (first Posted on page 134)

Spokane, Portland & Seattle (SP&S)

Headquarters: Portland, OR

Mileage in 1950: 968

Locomotives in 1963:

Diesel: 93

Rolling stock in 1963:

Freight cars: 3,547
Passenger cars: 48

Principal routes in 1950:

Portland-Spokane, WA
Portland-Seaside, WA
Portland-Eugene, OR (subsidiary Oregon Electric Railway)
Wishram, WA-Bend, OR subsidiary Oregon Trunk Railway)

Passenger trains of note:

Columbia River Express [Portland-Spokane)
Empire Builder (Portland-Chicago)
Oriental Limited (Portland-Chicago)
Western Star (Portland-Chicago)
North Coast Limited (Portland-Chicago)
Mainstreeter (Portland-Chicago)

Of note: SP&S handled GN’s Empire Builder, Oriental Limited and Western Star between Portland and Spokane; SP&S handled NP’s North Coast Limited and Mainstreeter between Portland and Pasco, WA

Enjoy (again)! [tup]

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

Are YOU getting the most CURRENT information when you log in[?] If not, why not[?]

[red_p]

Tom ,…Coffee please

jlampke Well there are no more cab rides,too much of a liability I guess. As far as the job goes, while I do enjoy it.
Believe me after spending 12 hours a day in the cab of a locomotive everyday, the excitment wears off rather quickly. also keep in mind that you are making the same run over and over again everyday. its not like you take a different route everyday.

Wanswheel The city is tearring down the platforms,They dont want them attracting homeless people. There are a few of us that arnt real happy about it since they are historic structures built by the PRR. How did you know about that anyway?
P

[siberianmo]

Mornin! Gents!

The last Friday of the year is upon us and around these parts the day has begun with a blustery breeze, chilling temps, partly cloudy skies, rising petrol prices and the forecast for rain. So what better reason than to hang ‘round this fine establishment, eh [?] [swg]

I see we had somewhat of a rush last evening with the Posts, which is just fine – Kaching, Kaching – gotta pay those bills dontchano! [yeah]

My time is quite restricted this morning, so rather than my normal acknowledgments to those of you who help make ”Our” Place go and grow, let me simply offer these brief comments:

wanswheel Mike
Posted: 29 Dec 2005, 20:35:31
Thanx for the round – for being inclusive in your response and for being always willing join in at the bar with the “way we do things ‘round here!” Have the best of 2006! [tup]

pwolfe Pete
Posted: 29 Dec 2005, 20:56:31

Always enjoy your company and we will miss you during your absence. I also thank you for your continuing energy, willingness to fully participate and support for ”Our” Place – Happy 2006! [tup]

nickinwestwales Nick
Posted: 29 Dec 2005, 21:05:33

Any day is a good day when Nick, the Chief Chef appears! [swg] As one of our more stalwart supporters, I offer you and yours the best of all in 2006! Always appreciate your banter, good info and willingness to support my endeavors at keeping ”Our” Place a special watering hole! [tup]

trolleyboy Rob
Posted: 29 Dec 2005, 22:28:43 ,22:37:20 and 22:50:53

Many thanx for supporting the ENCORE! effort – other than yours truly, you are the only one who has. Speaks volumes, doesn’t it [?] The inclusiveness of your Posts along with the continuing effort you put forth to maintain our bar ‘n grill as a special place means a lot. Best to you in 2006! [tup]

[siberianmo]

Good Morning!

. . . . . . . . . . ENCORE! ENCORE! . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . This was first Posted on Oct 12th, 2005, page 134 . . . . . . . . . .

Good Morning Gents!

My contribution to our 6th Month Anniversary Celebration of ”Our” Place’s founding - an adult cyber bar ‘n grill!

The train they called The Canadian

There is a rather large, beautifully frame, lithograph print on our living room wall, of the Canadian Pacific Railway’s passenger train “The Canadian” at Morant’s Curve in Alberta, Canada. It is a winter scene and one that carries with it the images of what railroad travel must have been like when rail artist, Max Jacquiard, first painted it from his vantage point overlooking this rather famous “train watchers” overlook.

(his work may be viewed at: http://www.islandnet.com/~pacific/steam1.html)

The print in our living room:

This then, is my story of a personal reflection of a trip that takes place each and every time I view that picture – a birthday gift from my friend, traveling companion and wife shortly after first viewing it in a shop in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Gather ‘round train lovers ‘n give a listen to a “snippet” of information from long ago when the mighty and proud Canadian Pacific traveled the main line on the banks of the Bow River at a place known as *Morant’s Curve in Alberta, Canada.

Best viewed on a winter’s day, with the snow and ice capped peaks against the brilliance of a blue sky, the scene of the streamliner winding its way along the Banff-La

[siberianmo]

G’day!

Being somewhat underwhelmed this Friday, perhaps it is time to Post an ENCORE! piece from one of our customers! Let’s see … BK gave his “ok” to do that in his Post the other day, so here goes … [tup]

. . . . . . . . . . ENCORE! ENCORE! . . . . . . . . . .

[quote]
QUOTE: Posted by BudKarr Posted: 29 Oct 2005, 15:20:20

Hello Captain Tom,

Perhaps I can help keep this idea of yours going by digging through my extremely limited contributions to the bar … ah, here’s one some may find interesting:

I am not one for the type of story you may be looking for, but here is something I recall from several years ago – too many in fact.

It was a dark and stormy night …… no, actually it was a very clear and star filled night crossing the plains in Saskatchewan Province en route Vancouver. I had boarded the train in Winnipeg, having completed my business there and decided to kill off my free weekend by taking CP Rail’s “The Canadian” to the west coast. The train in those days was in the livery of the CP “Pacman” logo and in that “action red” color. Did not care for either very much, but the cars were what was important to me (and for you too Tom, as I understand it!). My bedroom was in a Chateau series sleeping car and I wound up with a double at no extra fare. I had requested to know what the fare was for a double room for single occupancy and the ticket agent simply booked one and that was that. Nice gesture I thought.

During that era it did not seem as if the tourist trade had taken over the route the way it has since VIA Rail entered the picture. Cutting back those trains to 3 departures per week has added to the crowded trains. But I digress.

I spent a bit of time back in the Park car (Strathcona seems to ring a bell) and was having a rather spirited conversation with two RCMP of

[siberianmo]

And another from a customer of ours, West Coast S Dave who we simply do not see enough of lately. However, he “lives” through his Posts and here is one of his “classics” - earned him an “award” if I recall. First Posted on Aug 26th, page 87:

. . . . . . . . . . ENCORE! ENCORE! . . . . . . . . . .

[quote]
QUOTE: Posted by West Coast S Posted: 26 Aug 2005, 17:33:03

Tom… Saturday duty can be pretty dull around here. Command reversed the decision to release me for a new assignment, so the next available oppertunity to apply will be mid next year. So for now, business as usual.

I agree with the extinction of the attending aspects associated with diesel and the passenger train. I think the following puts it in presepective.

Dieselization permited longer faster, heavier trains, run more frequently, thus requiring new means to keep apart. Farewell to the train order station, written orders the telegraph and the manual block control. farewell to the jobs they created and the communities they supported.

Farewell to the coal docks, water towers and roundhouses and turntables and all else associated with steam railroading , your day is done, replaced by the diesel that only requires a few tracks for servicing.

Farewell to the thousands of shopworkers, hostlers and millions more behind the scene who gave their all to keep the railroads running in time of peace and war.

Farewell to shops with legendary names such as Altoona, Roanoke, Cheyenne and a thousand more, farewell to the communities that once depended on you.

Farewell to the American passenger train , even the vaunted diesel could not save you from the technology of improved air and highway alternatives and changes in public preferances.

Farewell to the Pullman Porter, your time is done, you have served with honor for over a hundred years by catering

[Anonymous]

G’Day one and all. “Last Friday of 2005,” it seems incredible that the year went by so quickly while some months dragged on endlessly. Tom, it is afternoon, so a Crown Royal, soda with a twist would be greatly apperciated, thanks.[^] The Encores that you and Rob have chosen are teriffic for bringing back memories of some “growing pains” this Thread has undergone as well as the quality maintained these past months.[tup][tup][tup] Welcome Richard, as you probably have reasoned from reading previous posts, this is a “fun group” with a passion for trains. Rarely (if ever) have I seen a trace of rancor or vindictiveness among the membership simply because it just isn’t tolerated. Along with the good natured, positive attitutde comes a generous “well spring” of knowledge, experience, data, some humo(u)r from people who “like eachother.”[tup] Glad your aboard and hopefully you will enjoy the trip.

Nick, I hope your New Years Eve gig goes without incident. As a youg, aspiring musician (about 16), I played a New Years dance job somewhat akin to the Blues Brtothers movie scene.[}:)] This was the first time I had “second thoughts” on pursuing a musical career. Fortunately, as my abilities matured, so did the quality of professional venues. Pete, may I wish you a wonderful home coming with friends and Family. We will very much miss your sage postings and comradship.[^] Perhaps you will engage in a game of Skilltes (sp.?) at your favo(u)rite pub?[:D] CM3, I would like to join the others in wishing you Happy Birthday (“real McCoy”) and we hope you enjoy the day’s entertainment on the 6th. Mike, thanks for the links, they made my day a lot brighter. Oh, let’s place credit where “credit” is due. The Times Square URL was Tom’s effort alone. I merely threw in a comment or two for “color.” Glad you could drop in again John. I hope you will be able to stay longer next time.[tup]

Say, Tom, the “Canadian” reru

[Trainnut484]

Good afternoon Tom and gang. I’ll have a Miller Lite. Nice sunny day here in KC. Great way to send off the last Friday of this year. Temps should be in the upper 40s, maybe reach the 50s. Tom, the encores are nice [tup], and both you and Ted have mail. Enjoy [swg]

A belated [bday] to CM3.

Pete, I hope your trip home is safe, and you’ll be missed here while you’re gone. Maybe you can check in from time to time unitl you come back.

[#welcome] aboard Richard. Always nice to have a new cyber face in this joint.

P, it’s always sad when a piece of railroad history is torn up. Fortunately, the UP depot in Topeka, Ks was restored a few yeas ago and now a rail museum. The depot also provided passenger service for the Rock Island. Before the restoration, it was ridden with the homeless and hobos who didn’t want to find shelter at the homeless house across the street. The depot was tagged with hobo signs saying there was food and shelter if one needed it. That was the first time I saw such “communication.”

Rob, great job on the CNR steam series [tup]

Nick, glad your back.

That’s it for now. Take ca…Whoa NELLIE! Ted, you snuck in pass me. Must be management priviliges [:)] Have your favorite poison on me. Second thawt, make that a round for the house.

Take care,

Russell

[siberianmo]

G’day Gents!

Just returned from too much time in traffic, horrible weather conditions and a fairwell to Pete and his bride at the airport. They have a long day and night ahead of them, but come the 'morrow - home again to Rugby for Pete! Watch it Nick - an Englishman returneth! [swg] They’ll be gone three weeks.

While I am certain that somewhere along the line Pete will make comment, but enjoyed his visit (albeit, brief) to the Can-Am trainroom and the HO, O and S gauge layouts - also the LGB 'round the tree. Kinda saw it all. Really didn’t have time for much else as we needed to get moving given the onslaught of rain the descended upon us. So, Pete has become the first of our regulars to view the Can-Am! [tup]

Nice to see a couple of regulars stop by and Cindy told me you guys behaved yourselves. Pity! [swg]

Ted As always, very enjoyable inclusive Post! [tup]

Yes, I concur with you - that picture of Canadian Pacific’s The Canadian at Morant’s Pass is my all time favorite. I will never understand the rationale followed by Classic Trains Magazine in their commemorative cover and article (Spring 2005) on the 50th Anniversary of that wonderful train when they used a photo of CP’s action red livery, as opposed to the original. Amazing. Nice pix in the issue, but they really “blew it” when it came to the centerfold shot.

Russell Always good seeing you at the bar and appreciate the round! [tup] Hey, that Email is a Classic and I’m still smiling! [swg] Great idea and it will appear on the thread - probably New Years Day - for all to appreciate. Unless of course you object.

Ted Times Square used to be a great place to visit in my youth. I remember so much about it, from the end of the WWII days, to Martin & Lewis at the Paramount and the

[siberianmo]

And another from a customer of ours, coalminer3 CM3 who has taken time away during the Christmas break. However, he too “lives” through his Posts and here is one of his “classics” - also earned him an “award” if I recall. First Posted on Sep 06, 2005, page 98:

. . . . . . . . . . ENCORE! ENCORE! . . . . . . . . . .

[quote]
QUOTE: Posted by coalminer3 Posted: 06 Sep 2005, 09:18:30

Good Morning All:

Coffee, please. Here’s some $ for the “good of the house,” aka Boris’s Bail Fund, and some quarters for the jukebox. Gas is holding at $3.19 this a.m. and West Virginia fans are happy.

Herewith some more from the New Haven memory book. I have been working on some of this stuff forawhile, b4 the memories disappear completely.

South Station was the end of the line, but most of our trips began and ended at Back Bay Station. It took five minutes for New Haven trains to travel from South Station to Back Bay. There were four tracks at Back Bay separated by a fence; the two tracks on the north side of the fence belonged to the Boston and Albany railroad and the two tracks to the South were the New Haven’s. The B&A called their side of the station Trinity Place.

A trip to Back Bay was exciting as we traveled through streets lined with brownstone houses only to suddenly come upon the station’s parking area. My grandmother said that the streets in this section of Boston reminded her of those in Bristol, England from when she was a young woman.

Back Bay was a winter kind of place. It was cold, snowy, and damp as only areas near the ocean can be. Wooden doors, handles polished from countless hands opening them, gave onto the station lobby which was a large, square, room of light colored stone. The ticket counter was on one side of the lobby which was hot, humid and smelled of wet woolen coats, rubber galoshes, steam