Hello everyone. I will take a cold, bottomless draught, please. Tom, I have been reading the threads and the summaries but have’nt felt like responding. Sometimes I just like to watch and not speak. Dad said I’d learn more that way.
The Midland is about 35 miles SW of the Kansas City metro area. Take I35 south to the Gardner exit then take 56 highway to Baldwin City. Just drive to the elevator when you get to town and look for the signs.
Good to hear of a passenger car being preserved-especially a Harriman RPO. Any kind of passenger car is hard to find these days,regardless of condition. If they can be found, they will be expensive.
Hello earlydiesels Dan Good to see you again and I’m happy to know that someone out there is reading this stuff! [swg]
About the only thing I recall my father passing on to me was something like, If you don’t ask 'em first, they can’t say no! [;)]
This isn’t a bad place to sit and listen - especially with old Juke back there playing some of those great train songs we’ve loaded up on. Check 'em out - drop a few quarters in from that jar sitting on the little table next to the *Jukep* - 5 plays for a quater - can’t beat that with a stick. [swg]
By the by - this coming Friday is the BIRTHDAY BASH for *** at 9 AM CDST So, I hope to see you as close to that time as possible. [tup]
Ready for 'nother one[?]
Tom
Back again. I’ll take on appetizer and a cold brew to wash it down with, Tom. I’ll stroll over to the jukebox and see just exactly what is on it. I am in the mood for something out of the ordinary. Any recommendations?
For those interested, the Midland is enduring the annual Thomas The Tank Engine event and will not have regular service until 23 July. Don’t take me wrong-- Thomas is a great income source but the logistics and the planning and the volunteer hours are just exhausting! The past 3 times we have had Thomas, I have been (real) engineer but this time we have decided to sit this one out. The first year, I did not have a fireman and did not leave the cab until days end! I have observed that we have some volunteers that help only during special events(especially if the media are present) and these same people are nonexistant the rest of the time. These people are welcome to help now. When it is 100degrees out with 100% humidity these people are nowhere to be found. I personally enjoy regular events more than the special events. I have more of a chance to visit and help folks enjoy their time here. With Thomas, we give 25 minute rides and back at the depot, passengers detrain on one side and entrain on the other. From the cab, it resembles a livestock auction.
Another cold brew, please. One special event we have is where we open up the restored KCS RPO car and have retired postal clerks ride and answer questions. They sell postcards with special RPO markings that are ready to be used. It’s interesting to think most mail used to be sorted in these cars years ago.
On the local front, our museum received an old baggage cart for display. We are going to have it sandblasted and then we will repaint it. No one seems to know the exact shades of paint, though. Any answers from our knowledgeable group?? I am supposed to write up a easy to read description of our loco for display to be seen from the front gate. I have’nt started yet but it should’nt take very long to write.
Afternoon, earlydiesels Dan A rainy day here in Mentor Village, just a stones throw from the CP yard and right down the road from that all female university that Cindy teaches at … wonder what she teaches[?] [}:)]
Your comments regarding volunteers brings back many memories of decades past. It really is pretty much across the board when it comes to motives for many people when they volunteer. While my offerings of free time haven’t been with railroading, I have done the responsible thing when it came to Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, youth baseball and serving as a police officer with my local PD. Of course, the longest tour of volunteerism for me lasted 32 years - and that was with the U.S. Coast Guard on active duty. But, that’s not what either of us are talking about …
It never failed that when the chips were down the same few people always showed up to take up the slack with whatever the duties. I got involved with baseball when I signed up one of my boys, only to find out that the team couldn’t be in the league unless someone signed on as Manager. Guess who[?] Then my youngest son announced that his Cub Pack was about to fold up because they didn’t have ANY Den Mothers. So, guess what happened[?] I became a Den Mother - and this was back in the days BEFORE our society considered itself enlightened or whatever the term is used these days! As an Eagle Scout and all of that, it really wasn’t a hard thing for me, but it kinda ticked me off to think that the Pack absolutely would’ve fallen apart if it hadn’t have been for a couple of guys who came to the rescue and eventually shamed the gals into taking over the jobs. Crazy, huh? Then of course the Boy Scouts always needed someone, usually at the last moment, to drive the boys to a campout AND stay the night … etc., etc., etc. It truly never bothered me to do these things, for my boys were involved and as a kid, someone did it for me. The thing that DID get to me,
Good afternoon, Y’all. Another hot one in Big D today. Tom, if you have a big glass please fill it up with the cold bubbly stuff (NOT champagne!). I see it cropped up again-my referring to Tom as Housekeep. I guess I will never live that one down. I bet that I will take a ribbing for it on Friday at nine. Do not let me drink during our meeting on Friday. My wife has invited several neighbors in to celebrate the big 65. I do not think it would be cool to arrive home under the alfluence of incohol.
Think that management here is trying to tell me something and I might be too dumb to pick up on it. Two weeks ago they sent me to Libya. Next week they are sending me to London where I will have to ride the Underground. And to top it all off they booked me into a hotel in the Belgravia area that is owned by an Arab company. Are they trying to tell me something???
Please do not take this next comment as demeaning to the poor souls who were hurt or killed in the bomb blasts. I mean no disrespect to their memory. Well–here goes. The radical Arabs did not set the bombs. It was the French and they did it because they are mad about looosing the 2012 Olympics.
Enough sick humor. Back to the subject of this pub. Has anyone been to Alaska and rode on the cruise lines train cars to Denali that they tie on to the end of the Alaska RR passenger trains? I have not had that pleasure, but have seen the cars. They are built by Colorado Rail Car outside Denver and are BEAUTIFUL. Bob Raiders, the CEO of Colorail Car is my friend and he has brought the cars to several conventions to showcase them. They are plush!!! Malacite panels, etched glass, great bar, two observation decks (it is a bilevel car) with an elevaor to the upper level. All this for less than $3 million. Think I will buy a couple for personal use (Note to Bob Raiders-Do not try to cash my check!) I tried to purchase one for Trinity Railway Express to use as a bar car on the rush hour train to Fort Worth while
Howdy ***[C):-)] Was beginning to think we’d not see you until YOUR Birthday Bash this Friday at 9 AM CDST! [tup][;)]
How about a nice tall frosty mug of Texas Pride[?] Just happen to have a case of 'em in long necks, regular & light, of course! [tup][swg]
In this day and age, all kidding aside, trying to attach a motive to such a horrendus act simply cannot rule out any plausible lead. You’re not hurting MY feelilngs one bit regarding those people on the Continent who have backup lilghts on their military vehicles for a reason … [}:)]
GG1’s[?] My FAVORITE loco’s of all time. Rode behind a few of 'em myself and loved to watch 'em pull into the station. Great engines. Have a Pennsy in Tuscan and one in Brunswick Green, both with 5 stripes - in my retired HO display cases. Ahhhhhhh, those were the days.
Custom built railcars - now that would be my dream - just to have something like that. I’d go for a refurbished more modern one though. Since my preference lies with the Budd stainless steel beauties, mine would be the observation dome (ie: VIA Rail Park car) - oh could I have fun redesigning it to my specs … Now all I’ve got to do is lline up the funding. I suppose I could raise the prices 'round here! [tdn] Nah … [:D]
Glad you stopped by and hope you’ll come back at least one more time before YOUR big day!
Tom
Hi all!
I’ve been reading this thread for quite some time, but have never posted. It’s been interesting to find out more about the people who are here, as well as learning more about trains in general. When I saw the posts about Thomas and volunteerism, I decided it was time to jump in. I left my credit card at the cash register to cover the 1st round.
I am a new volunteer on the Steam Team at the Illinois Railway Museum in Union Illinois. We’re workin on a number of projects, including the restoration of a 1900 Baldwin Consolidation (UP428). Saturdays are when most of our volunteer time is logged, and only a handful make it to the shop more than once a week. We could literally use hundreds of more volunteers even if all our rolling stock was 100% restored. We probably have another 100 years worth of projects that need doing.
Siberianmo has noticed the same thing as me when it comes to volunteers. Wherever volunteers are used, whether it be church, scouts, or sports, there is always a handful of people who do the bulk of the work, and you see these same people wherever you go.
By the way, what used to be known as “Den Mothers”, are now “Den Leaders”, and this position is no longer considered a womans job. As a matter of fact, the Cubmaster position is no longer reserved for men. There are very few professional Scouters in the Scouting structure. Almost everyone is a volunteer. As District Commisioner, it was always my pleasure to work with my fellow volunteers. Some of the finest people I have ever met, I met through Scouting. It was also no surprise to find these same outstanding and selfless individuals involved in other volunteer positions outside of Scouting. Even Volunteers who only show now and then are needed. The more hands you have, the more you can get done. Everyone should be encouraged to contribute.
We also have some Thomas Days, and it’s my understanding that we pretty much get the bulk of our funding from this event. The actual event has bee
[#welcome]Aboard barndad - If you’ve been checking us out for awhile, then you know the first drink is on the house! [tup][;)][;)]
Part of the standard bill of fare must be repeated for all new customers -
We are an adult cyber bar 'n grill hoping to atract interest in Classic Trains real and model. We also like to have some fun while doing so … [swg] So, we’ve got quite a cast of characters around here …
I encourage everyone who visits us to start at the beginning and when you get to the SUMMARIES check 'em out … a quicker way to get up to speed for sure. [tup]
We hope that our cyber bar 'n grill will be a stop off point for you and perhaps you’ll become one of our regulars. No matter - you’re welcome 'round here whenever you’d like …
Regarding your comments, I’m up to speed with the Scouting program. With three Eagles in my family, it’s hard not to keep up. I’m not at all in favor of uni-sex anything. But respect those who have different opinions. Time will be the ultimate judge, and I think we’re seeing some not so favorable signs these days of this social experiment. I’m a “boys will be boys” kinda guy and will be so until it’s my time for planting.
Okay, Boris ring the ding-dong Bell - drinks on the house for being [#offtopic].
Enjoy your visit! [tup][;)]
Tom, Proprietor of “Our” Place
Ahh its cool in here, hi all!
Another tall one, I just got back from the photo run, pix on the way.
barndad do you have a Builders plate on your 2903? I am casting replacments for ours <the 2926> and if you have the plate I could use a pic, and if you dont, I could change the pattern and make Ya’ll a set. Your work number should be 69791, also ours was a park engine for 40 years, and has been badly stripped of gauges and data plates, I also need a copy,/photo of the plate on the backhead that has the MWP on it. We are collecting a set of instruments, but picx would help in restoring the piping and handles. They even got our bell clapper… and I need to find some wroght iron to make a new one.
photos…
Here is a closer shot of the cabbose.
http://www.railimages.com/gallery/kevinevans/aar
And the Missile command car.
http://www.railimages.com/gallery/kevinevans/aas?full=1
Thies are the roller bearing trucks that will go to the cabbose, and the ambulance kitchen car in the background, note the wide door, that will make it a good tool car.
http://www.railimages.com/gallery/kevinevans/aau?full=1
Here is a shot of the back side of the kitchen.
http://www.railimages.com/gallery/kevinevans/aat?full=1
And here is a shot of the trucks for the tender. <My CMO told me they weigh 22.5 tons not 11>
http://www.railimages.com/gallery/kevinevans/aav
Somthing else I am hurting for will be the tech manuals fron the Army for our cars, it would help when we get to restoring them.
Thanks,
Gunns
Another bier,
Greetings Tom and Ya’ll.
Yet another question , What do I need to do to get certified as an Engineer? we are gonna need 6 or so in the club for extended runs, and I wanted to know where to start?
Gunns
Evenin’ Gunns Kevin Pull up one of those Reserved Stools for our Regular customers and sit a spell …
We’ve got the Baseball All Star Game on all 3 of our large screen TV’s … should be an enjoyable event. [tup]
Can’t help ya with that Engineer Certification, unless of course a blessing from “Our” Place would help. I’m sure the Right Rev. Boris would certify you! [swg]
Enjoy! [tup][;)]
Tom
Good evening everyone.First off Tom i think a Crown with a Black label chaser.Glad that you got your rain we are still waiting.We have had only 10mm since the 16th of June[XX(] [#welcome] To barndad another museum vollenteer to boot [tup]As has been said already you do get a dedicated few to man most things. Our museum’s membership is well over 400 members but only the board and the dedicated core are around likely 40 or so.In our case we have members that literally span the globe,so in many cases distance allows some to only be around once or twice a year if at all.We certainly have enough projects to keep as going till the second comming as well.early The thomas events are great number boosters. We have been trying to get a three day weekend at the museum but the logistics are a nightmare.For starters we would likely have to build one ourselves as our track guage is not standard.The museum is set for TTC guage which is unfortunatly broader 4’107/8".Instead we do two night Halloween shows in which we turn two of our carbarns into haunted houses,great fun for the kiddies and we usually see 1500-2000 people over the two shows.gunns Good pictures again sir[tup] The only suggestion I have for your engineering qualifications i would think would be to check your transportation regulators. There has to be a specified coarse. Won’t likley be cheap however. Up here Transport Canada would handle these type of inquiries as they are the rule enforcers. With our museum we use our own training program it’s home designed but is based on general rail rules as well as general safety / common sence type stuff. we use a graduated licencing system where you right a rules test ( 90% to pass ) rewritten every three years. Then oncar training starting with the easier { Pter Whitt’s } then onto 327 the open handbrake car then to the PCC’s and after that you move onto the train brake cars ( interurbans )You have two road tests one for probationary status then the second for your perm. status on each vehicle. The usu
I just noticed that I did miss a couple people.Tom So it’s you that’s going to be writing the book. That’s fine I’m sure Al won’t mind helping you edit and scale basck to less than a thousand pages; [;)][:D][:0] I know that Boris has expressed an intrest in helping you cut and paste the pictures( you know how he likes paste. caught him spreading a glue stick on some toast again)[:0][xx(]*** I have liked the GG1’s from afar bit big for my taste but certainly an attractive unit. Which one is possibly undergoing this transformation?Don’t count out it being done. Money might be all that could hold it up. Electric railway equipment is tuff and rugged,you would be supprised what can be restored and operated.Electrics are much simpler beasts than steam or diesel.That cruise sounded interesting I not gone as far north as Alaska. Prince George BC is my highpoint that and Moose Factory in Ontario.Ome of my fav cruise locations is in central Ontario at Gravenhurst. The Muskoka Steamship society run the 186 year old RMS Segwun and a new Diesel powered mate they built themselves in 2002 the RMS Wenonah 2. Dinner dance and siteseeing cruises on all three Muskoka Lakes. Travelling on the Segwun is interesting in that she operates on a hand fired scotch boiler. Something else on a 215’ steamer and shell still do her top speed of 16 knotts! I was hoping to book us a cruise during the rendevous next year but they don’t commence their season until mid june[:(] This is a shot of Wenonah tthey built her along the lines of the rest of the fleet so she looks like a turn of the century(20th)steamer herself. Along with the Segwun and the Eaton family steam yaught Wanda 3 Segwun is the only ship left of the Muskoka Fleet. Enjoy the shot/ Talk to you all tomorrow. Rob 
WEDNESDAY’s SUMMARY of RECENT POSTS (edited)
Good Morning All ……. Mid-week once again and it’s time for another great day here at ”Our” Place. Had quite a few interesting posts yesterday as business picked up a bit …… [tup]
Reminder for all: Birthday Bash for *** this Friday at 9 AM, CDST! Let’s try to get logged on as close to that time as possible in order to catch the man live! [yeah]
To the SUMMARY
[quote]
QUOTE: siberianmo
Posted: 12 July 2005, 10:25:51
Morning Gunns - Well if it’s your Saturday then how about some steak 'n eggs[?] We can make an exception to the light breakfast fare around here - I’m close to the Proprietor.
With all this talk of restorations, museums and vintage rail cars, I think I’ll schedule a trip over to
Morning all,
Coffee n Pastrey here,
Im off to another work day, going to try to figure out a replacement for the wrought iron I need for the bell clapper. also I need to make the adapter for our impact wrench so it can be used to open the siphon inspection ports.
Ahh good pastery, later all.
Gunns
Mornin’ Gunns Kevin … Fresh pastry from The Mentor Village Bakery along with some hot Joe … what could be better to start the day[?] Well, I can think of a couple of things — but, given that we may have some sensitive folks around, I’ll drop it … [}:)]
Now, how do you suppose the name of that bakery includes the name, Mentor [?] This is a test - I’d love to know if anyone can figure it out …
Enjoy! [tup][swg]
Tom
Surprise Tom!! I am back before my birthday. Getting ready for the big roast Firday at 9 Central Standard Time. Even had a stress test today to insure that i could pass the roasting without any problems. Passed with flying colors. Had an angioplasty about 10 years ago and all has been fine since then. My ambition is to live long enough to be a burdon to my two children. It is payback time! I even have an old fare box from the
Portland Oregon transit system in my office. Use it to collect the loose change in my pocket. You can all deposit your birthday tithe gifts in it.
Tom, I think I will have one of the red necks, correction, long necks. Make it a cold one as our building had a summer Hawaiian lunch for all tennants today and it was hot out on the patio. Red necks is a name given to low lifes in Texas who usually are very bigoted on almost every subject. The name comes from their usual jobs of outdoor manual labor where their necks are red from the intense sun in Texas.
Back to the wonderful GG-1s. I jokingly say that I have graduated to larger train gauges to go with my eyesight. Have played with Z, HO, O G, and finally 1:1 scale. Atleast I can see that one. I do have a sizable LGB fleet which stays in the garage cabinet 50 weeks of the year. All of my Lionel I gave to my son several years ago. Over the years I have bought additional cars and locomotives for him on the net. Some of the original equipment dates from Christmas 1945 when I received my first Lionel set. Now to the GG-1 part of the story. A couple of years ago I bought a vintage Brunswick green Lionel GG-1 for my son at Christmas (He is 39 and has blessed us with four wonderful grandchildren). I had the LGB set up for Christmas and placed the Lionel GG-1 on a LGB flat car. It made two loops before he saw it and I thought he was going to have a heart attack. (Guess heart problems runs in my genes as my father died form a heart attack). His Lionel collection is like my LGB collection. We bot
Howdy *** [C):-)] How about a Shiner in a long neck [?] Have those in regular or light … [tup]
Well, that was an interesting post regarding the GG1, et al. What a novel way to present a present. We have two LGB’s circling the tree, one freight and one passenger, both very Euro. I’ll have to check the flat car really close … [swg]
It does seem that later in life I’ve become more interested in this hobby and of course being retired has a great deal to do with it. Also having the means helps a lot! [;)]
If you’ve checked out my photo album you’ve seen the Can-Am trainroom and HO layout. I’m for maximizing available space. Guess that’s the sailor in me - everything has a place and better be in it! [4:-)]
LGB is fascinating - not so much the size but the quality of workmanship, durability and simplicity. Really am impressed. Of course, now that the LGB folks either have or are going to farm out work to China, I wonder what the future holds for the Euro craftsmanship [?] No slam against the Asian’s, but somehow, LGB made anywhere other than Europe doesn’t get it for me.
A Birthday Fare Box[?] what a thought! Hmmmmm, on second thought … [:0]
Insofar as your Birthday Bash is concerned, just be here at the appointed time - 9 AM CDST this Friday. Since we haven’t heard from Nick nor do we know whether he’s able to cyber communicate, we’ve had to appoint Boris as Entertainment Mogul … I’d say things will be a bit different for a morning at “Our” Place [swg]
My wish upon retirement was to live at least as long as I served in the military. I’m a bit over halfway there … retired since 1988, served 32 years - so I intend to keep collecting that which they promised. A burden to my kids - I probably already am, but for far different reasons too personal for cyber comms. Don’t even know why I said tha
Hi Tom. I will take the Shiner Dark in the long neck bottle. Do not like that wimpy pale stuff. Rarely drink beer except when in the Old Country. There they have Guinness Stout on tap at reasonable prices and it is on the swindle sheet, correction, expense account.
As to Mentor in Mentor Village Bakery I am not sure. All I can think of is that mentor means its classical meaning as someone who leads or tutors someone. You coule be cooking (baking) up some good leadership. Oh well, that answer is a stab at it.
My LGB is all Americal prototype. Have two LGB Moguls, 0-4-0 Porter, Mason, Bachman Shay (from my West Virginia background) and, Tom eat your heart out, an Accucraft RDC. All of the cars are US prototype and of the 1880-1920 vintage. Pull a string of red D&RW coaches with the Mason. One of the moguls is the yellow one LGB made. All of the equipment has Kaydee couplers. Do not think the LGB dogbones look too real. Have a string of assorted yellow cars to pull with it. (I know it is tacky). Rest of the cars are in prototypical railroad colors of the period. No permanant layout, but after retirement would like to consider it. If I do go outside I would like to go to a live steam 12" +/- gauge. All I need is lots of money. If you think LGB is expensive look at the live steam stuff. I am a member of the North Texas Garden Railway Consortium, although I do not attend many of the meetings. We set up at two train shows in November and January. Usually have quite an extensive layout as the club owns lots of track and switches. Members bring buildings and rolling stock. Fun for two days twice a year being able to play choo choo.
Time to catch the train to my van pool. More later.
Cheers,
Howdy *** [C):-)] One Shiner Dark comin’ up … [tup]
Can’t recall the last time you’ve spent so much time with us … great having you back! Was beginning to doubt your interest in us … SHAME ON ME! Apologies all 'round … [V]
I’d love to see that outdoor display of G gauge rolling stock … must be something. Obviously, it’s TEXAS-sized, eh[?] [swg]
An RDC you say! You know, one of these days I’m just going to have to sell this place, move to a more rural spot and set up my own railroad - RDC’s, observation domes, GG1’s, Cabooses w/cupolas (don’t like those bay window types) and just one Hudson for nostalgia. [yeah]
If memory serves me correctly, you and your bride are departing on Saturday for your vacation. I don’t expect you to chronicle your itinerary here, but if there’s anything you may require in terms of info for the Montreal-Halifax-Sackville portions, let me know by Email.
Mentor guess is interesting - but wroooooooong! [8] I’ve dropped this little nonsense on our regulars just to determine if anyone is actually reading this stuff! Congrats - you are!
Okay - a hint: Mentor appears with a click …
Enjoy! [tup][;)]
Tom