We’ve had a couple of attempts at a new Depot Diner since the last incarnation was unceremoniously closed earlier today. In the hours since it was opened, we finally got a post mentioning trains in some way a good halfway down the first page.
What we may need here is a place where we can talk trains, maybe the weather (as it affects train-watching), ask questions, make comments. The only food would be what each person brings in for his own consumption–no need for a third of the posts to describe a menu, and another third to go “Yummy!” We’ve gotten to know train-watching friends by how they post information (or not), and these posts have helped us decide whom we’d like to know a little better–for better or for worse.
So…there are plenty of trains to see outside, and plenty of windows to look at them from. Enjoy!
Or not–I won’t be hurt or crushed if no one else posts. And I know that Bergie doesn’t like two “competing” posts in this general area–so he may yank this one without hurting feelings if he feels it doesn’t serve a purpose.
A trackside lounge…sure… I can go for that… Can we talk cameras too??? Doing this might cut down on some of the threads that might be more easily discussed under a blanket thread like this one…
Carl, pour me a cold one, hold the foam. Can I drink it outside or must it be consumed inside? I hope it’s a smoke-free environment…cigarette smoke, of course.
I’m looking for a BNSF or UP mixed freight manifest train with classic power, probably SD40-2s. Any roll past your way? If so, I might just hang out here for a while with my camcorder as I collect footage for my show. Is that ok?
not to barge in…but…hiya [:)]…while at work today driving west on I-94 in Detroit i passed under an old RR bridge and whatcha know…it still had a PC moniker on it…granted rusted faded and barely readable…but you could still see the noodles…got me thinkin…what other lil tid bits have you all run across like that…and do your wives look at you funny when you see that and yell…LOOK LOOK PENN CENTRAL!!!
Coming home today, I took Route 7 over the DesPlaines River, and a BNSF intermodal was just passing underneath, and to my wondering eyes, there were 2 KCS units that were part of the consist… I don’t see that too often.
Speaking of trackside lounges, Roseville, CA is currently building a new viewing area to watch train traffic at the east end of the J. R. Davis Yard–it’s supposed to be right next to the Amtrak station. I wonder is that thing open yet…
Great idea Carl, as long as it doesn’t turn into PretendLand and a Theatre of the Absurd.
Please, let’s stay with reality – as you said, no pretend food, no pretend drink orders, no pretend snacks, no fakey lights to turn out, no “Yummy” comments to pump up post counts. It should be a thread for the exchange of thoughts and ideas, not a place for nonsense.
Now, I wonder if the cash-strapped CTA will somehow find money to paint up a couple of Chicago Cubs cars, to commemorate the division championship. They did it for the White Sox in 2005, after all.
OK Carl. I’ll give it a try. Barbara & I were in Shenadoah IA recently and had breakfast at the Depot restaurant in the old depot. Not any action on the branch line, but the restaurant has lots of old pics and antiques to admire. Food was good. Old timers chat, priceless.
I biked out yesterday evening to see Ringling Brothers’ Blue Unit go through town–I guess they put the animals toward the front to minimize slack action (which I don’t expect much of on passenger equipment), but it can’t be pleasant for the passengers standing in the open vestibules behind them! This was the first time I’d ever seen a complete circus train on the move. It was too dark for photography by the time it got to our neck of the woods. Train’s on its way to Boston via CSX east of Chicago.
I won’t be talking cameras, Tim, but no reason others can’t, as long as it sticks close to railroading and railfanning.
PZ, thanks for putting the concept into words so well. No armor or tin shoes necessary here–not even flame-retardant clothing, one hopes.
Da Boss (or Da Boss’ kid) isn’t a Cubs fan. But yes, I’d hope to see a pair of cars (at least!)wrapped in Cubs livery. Did they do it for the Bears last winter?
Count me in. Tim, any time you want to talk cameras, you know I’m interested! In fact I had just put a whole post together about a new toy, but for some reason, the forum seems to have sent it to never-never land or something. I’ll try to re-type it on lunch.
Speaking of old depots {a couple of posts above}, we have one here in our town that is an ex C&O station and now is a TrailHead. It was given an $800,000 renovation back a few years to original appearance, in and out with all new mechanicals, etc…Has a small refreshment and sales spot inside…displays of classic RR articles, etc…and Trail offices…It’s really nice. Beautifully lit up on the outside at night with lights under the large overhang shining on the bright brick walls.
NS New Castle line passes just 50’ or so outside parallel to the trail for several hundred yards and of couse is active. The route of the Triple Crown.
I like the idea of this new place, Carl, hopefully something more grounded in reality (whatever that is).
And Dale, yeah, the crossing on the lake still exists in Madison. It’s known as the “MX” or “Monona Tower.” Both of the lines (former MILW and CNW) are now owned/leased by the Wisconsin and Southern, and they use it a couple of times a day one one part of it or another. Of course, if some people in the city of Madison had their way, the trains would be relocated entirely off the Ithsmus…