a picture a day....

Took this a few years ago when visiting Cooperstown, NY with my kids. It was just sitting on an abandoned siding outside of the Cooperstown Brewery.  The kids had a blast playing around it and it looks just like their favorite MTH crane car -

@p51 posted:

I took this last week in Vancouver, WA. It looked best in B/W:

@p51

That is a GREAT photo. Your composition and focus are second to none. You are right. The B&W makes even more striking! That is photo competition material.

For today: " It's the 1950's and REA is working hard to keep up with the holiday rush."

The North Pole is busily gearing up for Christmas as a Great Northeastern Railway freight train arrives with more supplies for Santa's shop.

Took these less than 3 hours ago...

Lee, if I was to guess the location, I would have to say, you must have taken those last two shots at Steilacoom.  

Larry

P51 Lee, those are fantastic pictures, I love the BNSF color scheme. The first picture has some beautiful engines to, however I can’t read the names. Could you tell us the road name please. You must live near these railroads. Happy Railroading, Merry Christmas.

Larry, in first shot of Lee’s are the engines of the Puget Sound & Pacific.  The orange livery is that of owner Genesee & Wyoming and the blue engine was once an FEC engine.

Larry

Stopped at a crossing yesterday in Plainfield. IL Canadian National(ex. EJ&E) switching hopper cars from an industry.

It's 1953, you are at the plate in the Polo Grounds facing rookie southpaw Johnny Podres of the Brooklyn Dodgers:

Don't hit it to center field: that's death valley 483 feet from home plate, and Duke snyder will run down anything short of the fence. LOL, Arnold

Across the Harlem River and the NY Central Railroad, another southpaw, Whitey Ford, is facing Al Kaline of the Detroit Tigers at Yankee Stadium:

Arnold, Very nice!  As I recall you don't have an Ebbets Field; you probably don't have room for a third ball field.  I know I wouldn't.    Did you know that Whitey Ford is one of the few major league players to have played minor league ball here in Butler, Pennsylvania.  Middle Atlantic League - Butler Yankees - 1947.

@p51 posted:

I took this last week in Vancouver, WA. It looked best in B/W:

BW gives it that vintage quality

@PSAP2010 posted:

Larry, in first shot of Lee’s are the engines of the Puget Sound & Pacific.  The orange livery is that of owner Genesee & Wyoming and the blue engine was once an FEC engine.

Larry

Yep, that's right. They're passing over the original location of the 183rd St grade crossing at Rochester, WA.

The other shot was taken just east of the ferry dock at Steilacoom, WA.

Oct 10, 2020... Reading & Blue Mountain Fall Foliage Excursion to Jim Thorpe, PA.. motive power were the RDCs

For today:  " Its the early 1950's and the Army/Navy is today.  Pennsy MU cars hustle Navy and Army personnel to and from the game."

It was another sweltering summer day along Stoney Creek...

P51 Lee - WOW!!  Your lighting for the top two photos is perfect morning light.  Beautiful scenes   Your bottom black and white photo amazingly captures yesteryear!!  BRAVO!!!

In the realm of there's-a-prototype-for-[nearly]-anything:

The Royal Gorge had just had piggyback refers coupled onto the rear end. I'll try to research when Dad took the pic, probably 1964.

ON EDIT: According to utahrails.net:

"1964
Up to four 85ft TOFC flats were added to the end of the Prospector carrying Rio Grande Motorways and grocery chain trailers between Denver-Grand Junction and briefly to Salt Lake."

The Prospector and the Royal Gorge ran as one train from SLC to Grand Junction (and reverse) so Dad took this pic at Grand Junction. Summer '64 we did indeed ride the Royal Gorge from Denver to SLC.

Great photos everyone. Sure is nice to sit back and read the stories that go along with each photo. Lee, as always you bring some amazing photos to the table. Your colors are wonderful but the B/W are just outstanding!

Arnold, you sure have the ability to tell a great story.

Patrick, every time I check out your pictures your crews are doing something else, You must pay them well to keep moving from project to project!

Lew, wonderful photo of the past of not so long ago.

I hope you all have a great rest of your weekend!

For today: " On the engine service track ... Jake climbs aboard a newly painted WM Consolidation."

@trumptrain posted:

For today: " On the engine service track ... Jake climbs aboard a newly painted WM Consolidation."

Nice shot Pat'.  The lighting is just right'.. PS:  How is Barney doing?...🐩😃

Trumptrain, that’s a beautiful paint scheme for the Western Maryland steamer and that’s a great setting. Your model railroad has a lot of colorful scenic detailing, awesome. Mike g., good to see your reading the forum progress, and soon you’ll be back to work on your layout. Your in our prayers. Happy Railroading Everyone

The Winter Sun sneaking low through the train-room window caught this action on the PER:

@Quarter Gauger 48 posted:

Nice shot Pat'.  The lighting is just right'.. PS:  How is Barney doing?...🐩😃

Thanks so much Ted!  I really appreciate your compliment!   Barney is a handful ... LOL!  AND he's doing great  He's a great 4 legged friend for sure

@leapinlarry posted:

Trumptrain, that’s a beautiful paint scheme for the Western Maryland steamer and that’s a great setting. Your model railroad has a lot of colorful scenic detailing, awesome. Mike g., good to see your reading the forum progress, and soon you’ll be back to work on your layout. Your in our prayers. Happy Railroading Everyone

Thanks Larry!  The WM steamer is by Lionel and is one of 3 WM locomotives on the FSJR. Btw - your shot of that BNSF diesel is quite remarkable!!

Patrick, I am with you about Larry's BNSF Photo! But You also have to remember that you also post some Amazing photos of your wonderful layout!

I dont think there is a day that goes by without finding some great photos here!

For today: " It's 1951 and Camelbacks are in their final years and RDCs are at the front side of a long effective life."

@mike g. posted:

Patrick, I am with you about Larry's BNSF Photo! But You also have to remember that you also post some Amazing photos of your wonderful layout!

I dont think there is a day that goes by without finding some great photos here!

mike g. :  Thank you!  

Today's switching job rolling into Town:

Serendipity. This bit of a scene comes alive for me reminding me of the first house we owned in Meyersdale, Pa, a tenth of a mile from the B&O Mainline. Alternately it makes me think of my Grandparents' house in Adrian/Gumtown/Montgomeryville on the B&O (nee BR&P) Pittsburgh-Buffalo line:

Our house in Meyersdale:

The front porch at the other end is similar to the one on the tan MTH house on the PER.

For today: " Brakeman and conductor discuss the switch list."

The maintenance of way crew is hard at work.

Patrick and Randy, what wonderful photos! I had planned to get to the train room today, but that never happened!

Seems like everybody is waiting on the train tonight...

For today: " Rocky J Raccoon King of Rubbish"  

Speakina' rough track:

While dad did take these pics using a long focal length, which fore-shortens the distance, the track really was that bad.

Notice the black mud pumping up to the top of the ties. This was a mothballed section of track which had been "rehabilitated" to bring low-sulfur coal to the Shelocta Steam Generator. This power plant was built in 1967 as a "mine mouth" operation using local high sulfur coal. This generator was scheduled to be shut down because of the inability to meet emission standards but instead coal was brought in. That required a railroad which turned out to be a patch-work of old trackage.

@geysergazer posted:

Speakina' rough track:

         

While dad did take these pics using a long focal length, which fore-shortens the distance, the track really was that bad.

       

Notice the black mud pumping up to the top of the ties. This was a mothballed section of track which had been "rehabilitated" to bring low-sulfur coal to the Shelocta Steam Generator. This power plant was built in 1967 as a "mine mouth" operation using local high sulfur coal. This generator was scheduled to be shut down because of the inability to meet emission standards but instead coal was brought in. That required a railroad which turned out to be a patch-work of old trackage.

Needs popsicle stick shims

For today:  "It's December 19, 1955 and the REA is busy with holiday shipments!"

For today:  " At the base of the Christmas tree a magical world exists."  

I took these over the weekend...

Dusk is falling and work at the Scrapyard isn't done yet:

Great photos guys! Sure does bring a smile to an ol grumpy guy like me! LOL

Lee that third shot is great.

For today: " Its the time of the year for some liquid holiday cheer!"

Cy Crumley eyeballs one of the Ensor daughters as his train pulls away from Hunter, along the (fictional) Stoney Creek branch of the ET&WNC...

Night at the station

For today: " Remembering Christmas 1957 when Santa brought this beauty, pulling a wonderful freight train, into my life.  Number 2065 by Lionel.   At 64 years old she still runs and looks great to this day!  Here she is taking on water at the tank on the Free State Junction Railway where she's held in great reverence, for not only does she look great ... she also holds a plethora of treasured memories of family and Christmas' past."

To All:

Nice photos and wonderful stories!

Merry Christmas!

Yes indeed Pat'.. As they say 64 years young', and is still a beauty'. And they don't build them like that anymore'.... ALl the best Pat to you and yours for a wonderful Christmas and a much happier New Year in 2021'...🎅🏻🎺🌲

@trumptrain posted:

For today: " Remembering Christmas 1957 when Santa brought this beauty, pulling a wonderful freight train, into my life.  Number 2065 by Lionel.   At 64 years old she still runs and looks great to this day!  Here she is taking on water at the tank on the Free State Junction Railway where she's held in great reverence, for not only does she look great ... she also holds a plethora of treasured memories of family and Christmas' past."

Patrick, yours at age 64 is a baby. My 2065 Hudson is 66 years old.

Actually, they are both babies: baby Hudsons. Arnold

For today:  Merry Christmas to one and all!!!!!  Wishing everyone a wonderful Christmas!  Be safe = Be well!

Arnold - It's great that we have those baby hudsons still in fine working condition.   Every time I read, here on the OGRF, about someone running their postwar or prewar Lionels,  I can't help but to think ... what a fabulous tribute to Joshua Lionel Cowen!!  MTH has a slogan " Electric trains that do more." If JLC only knew back then what we all know now, he could have used this slogan " Electric trains that will last well into the next century."   I'd have to say that our parents certainly got more than their money's worth when they  bought us our Lionels!   Lets run our baby hudsons tomorrow and celebrate!  Wishing you a very Merry Christmas Arnold!!   Here's a photo tribute to JLC ... postwar and prewar Lionels.  

@Quarter Gauger 48 posted:

Yes indeed Pat'.. As they say 64 years young', and is still a beauty'. And they don't build them like that anymore'.... ALl the best Pat to you and yours for a wonderful Christmas and a much happier New Year in 2021'...🎅🏻🎺🌲

Absolutely Ted!  They don't build them like they used to for sure.   Best wishes to you and yours for terrific Christmas and the healthiest of a New Year!!

Pat, Trumptrain, you’ve said it all, Joshua Lionel Cowan would roll over in his grave to see how much Fun he created back in 1900, so many of us Senior Kids still enjoying his creativity.  Your pictures with all the sets running is awesome as is your beautiful layout. Also, it’s good to see you pictured with your trumpet. Christmases in the 50’s were lots of fun. Arnold Cribari also ads to the nostalgic times of postwar fun. His threads are fun to read and allows us to remember what excited us enough about toy trains to still be enjoying Today... This Hobby has it all, art, wood working, Imagination, thinking, creating, working with others with the same dreams, you might say a secret psychologist to keep us a kind of normal during this pandemic. All the pictures above are so much fun to review and enjoy. Happy Railroading Everyone, Merry Christmas to All. It’s really close.

Clearing the tracks for the Holiday travel.

A little something for Christmas.  Our younger daughter and her mother-in-law saw it the other day, and wouldn't you know I had an intermittent lack of power.  No one else will see it except my wife and I, so here it is for all of you!  Have a Blessed Christmas!!

To the many members that post on this thread'  I just want to say this'...

And the best in the new year'.. And THANK YOU for posting your wonderful photos'..🌲🎅🏻

Well here is a strange Holiday story...This fellow comes by the L&S today, red suit, beard, etc...claims he needs an engine so management arranges him an engine...doesn't need a hogger or a fireman he says, run it by "magic"...So here he is leaving the depot.

As he was leaving, he made some comment about..."Why mess with 8 reindeer when I can harness 100's of horses all at once!"   Besides, I need to make up some time this year because all my elves are behind schedule because of social distancing !!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE   May 2021 be healthy and happy for all!

Don

That's a very good one, Don!!

Don McErlean, I understand the fellow was in need of a ride, did he have any money, any credentials, was he covid free? Was he coming from a costume party, was he drinking? Wow, either way, you sure helped him out, which I commend you for. Your the Good Samaritan. Next time, let him ride on one of your fast passenger trains, allowing him the luxury of a dining car for nourishment, you know he’s a busy fellow... Thank you for the great story, and Merrymaking is fun. Happy Railroading Everyone, Merry Christmas to....

                              when is Santa gonna be here ?

                                         have a Merry Christmas everyone !!

Don McErlean, I forgot to tell you that if you need to borrow this hand car for next time you meet Ole Saint Nick, just let me know, I have a great rental plan, or you can use The Capital One credit card if you have e one in your wallet.. just a little humor for Christmas Eve..... Happy Holidays Fellows, and Ladies....

Hi everyone, I just wanted to thank you all for a wonderful time viewing all your photos! You all sure know how to bring the spirt out in us all!

Mark I am sorry nobody else buy you and Mrs. B get to see it, but Iam really glad you shared it with us here on the forum!

Brian, nice to see you and Izzy are back! I am sure Marci is the one who took the photo! I sure do miss your post!

Merry Christmas everyone!

@trumptrain posted:

Arnold - It's great that we have those baby hudsons still in fine working condition.   Every time I read, here on the OGRF, about someone running their postwar or prewar Lionels,  I can't help but to think ... what a fabulous tribute to Joshua Lionel Cowen!!  MTH has a slogan " Electric trains that do more." If JLC only knew back then what we all know now, he could have used this slogan " Electric trains that will last well into the next century."   I'd have to say that our parents certainly got more than their money's worth when they  bought us our Lionels!   Lets run our baby hudsons tomorrow and celebrate!  Wishing you a very Merry Christmas Arnold!!   Here's a photo tribute to JLC ... postwar and prewar Lionels.  

Thank you, Patrick, for your kind words. It's great to reminisce with you about our beloved 2065s. I will definitely run mine tomorrow, maybe even tonight.

Your stunning scenery and layout in glorious autumn colors is such a pleasure to see. And you are an artist with the camera, both for still photos and videos. Many of your photos are so good, they could be postcards.

Merry Christmas, Arnold

LeapinLarry:  Great idea!! I will pass that on to “management “. (LOL).  Thanks for your comments. All year long made staying home fun!

Don

Merry Christmas from Lee, Jennette and Sweet Pea!

Merry Christmas to everyone here!

MiL and SiL had a ceramics studio. The tree and the Nativity figures were projects of theirs.

For today:  This bridge is part of our county parks system.  It's the first iron truss railroad bridge in the US and the last of its kind.  Wendall Bollman designed this bridge for the B&O railroad.  At one time, back in the mid - late 1800s, the B&O had approximately 100 of these bridges throughout its system.  This is the sole surviving one.  Its registered as a US Civil Engineering Landmark and on the registry of National Historic Sites.  Each year the county adorns the bridge with decorations and lights for the holiday season.  Today my dog Barney I shall walk across it on our long walk along the B&O Patuxent Branch ( now deserted and part of the park system )  Merry Christmas!!!

I too want to wish everyone a merry Chrismas and a healthy new year. Thanks to all you that have helped me on my quest for information. God Bless

@geysergazer posted:

Merry Christmas to everyone here!

                     

       

MiL and SiL had a ceramics studio. The tree and the Nativity figures were projects of theirs.

Mil and Sil did a nice job on them!

Merry Christmas y'all, from my trains to yours!

Here's me 10 Christmases ago.

Our Christmas Dinner, 1964, aboard the Capitol, Westbound for Pittsburgh:

@geysergazer posted:

Our Christmas Dinner, 1964, aboard the Capitol, Westbound for Pittsburgh:

       

Wow Lew, very fancy!  Bet it's nothing like that now! Lol

@mike g. posted:

Wow Lew, very fancy!  Bet it's nothing like that now! Lol

Mike, it is a wonderful memory for me. This was Christmas Eve with the stockings hung by the window with care:

Very nice, Lew!

Very cool Lew. The wife says one day we need to take a train trip. We just don't know where .

I hope I run as good as these postwar locos when I'm pushing 70!  Merry Christmas!

@mike g. posted:

Very cool Lew. The wife says one day we need to take a train trip. We just don't know where .

Mike, I think that hands down the best train ride in the Country is the daylight ride through the Rockies between Denver and Salt Lake City, either or preferably both ways, on the California Zephyr. From the West it can be done with an overnight stay in Denver. Arrival Eastbound is 6:38PM and Westbound departure is at 8:05AM the next morning.

Patrick, the picture of with your horn and the layout makes a great Christmas card.

Lew, thanks for the idea! I guess anything heading east would take us threw the Rockies from where I live!

Coach Joe, you are so right, Pat, Trumptrain is always Up-Beat, now we know why, he’s probably in a band/orchestra and Yes, Music makes one happy. Great comment. It’s Saturday, the day after Christmas 2020, and I’m sure most of our readers heard the news of a Huge Explosion happening in Downtown (on 2nd Street) Nashville Tennessee, 45 minutes from my home in Clarksville. Wow, it’s terrible and there were lots of damages, Good news though, no known fatalities, just several folks shook up. It does still affect our phone service. Please be in Prayer for Music City, there’s many unanswered questions as the FBI is now involved. Now, everyone have a great weekend and a very Happy New Year.

That’s too close Larry. Thank God you and yours are safe. Prayers for all those hurt, injured or affected.

Don

Starting the New Year's celebration early

Thank you Don McErlean, this is a bad situation and you can see it on CNN News and it’s not Fake. There’s no 911 for many of us now, nor can we call one another. I’m sure that Gods at work as many kind and hard working people are putting this puzzle/maze of issues back together. Our First Responders are real Heroes. We did not feel this explosion where I live, however I turn on our TV every morning at 6:50 to get set for Good Morning America, which did not show yesterday, it was all do to the horrible hate explosion. Music City will survive this tragedy, it’s just made Christmas hard on many great folks. Praise the Lord, his mighty hand will be with us, now and forever. Happy Railroading Everyone.

Amen, Larry!

Christmas 2 years ago.

For today:  " My view from the overpass."  Trial photo taken with my friend's I phone 11.  

Post holiday activity picking up on North Main St...

View from my newly scratch built under layout creeper!

For today: " A boy on his bike watches the passing of the morning milk train."

                                 Hope everyone had a great Christmas !!

Its Izzy! Merry Christmas, Izzy!

@sidehack posted:

Night at the station

Great Shot Ray.  Is the red one a Chrysler? or a 53 Dodge/Desoto;  hard to tell...

@Quarter Gauger 48 posted:

To the many members that post on this thread'  I just want to say this'...

And the best in the new year'.. And THANK YOU for posting your wonderful photos'..🌲🎅🏻

Thank YOU Quarter-Gauger for this.  Most of us are older, grew up well before 'Politically Correct' reared it's ugly head'. Our trains are and always have been associated with CHRISTMAS (and Hanukah) -  not just any 'holiday'. After this strange and unusual year almost passed, let's take back the culture and stand up for model RailRoading and the American traditions we all remember, especially this time of year!  Happy New Year everyone and God bless you and your families.   :-)

Travel the HI-LEVEL Santa Fe way! El Capitan!

Holiday travelers coming and going to or from Evergreen...

                              have a great day everyone...  stay warm !!

A couple days ago when the low Winter Sun was streaming in I got three pics, the first for Mark (WM Chessie), the second for Brian (Wabash with return empty to DT&I) and finally for Mike (Big Green BN):

Wonderful photos everyone!

I am guessing it's cold there Brian. Great photo!

Lew, thank you sir! You are so kind!

For today: " Home sweet home."

                    There is no place like home sweet home'...

@Quarter Gauger 48 posted:

                    There is no place like home sweet home'...

You know Ted, you and Lee do some amazing work! Maybe I will get there one day!

@mike g. posted:

You know Ted, you and Lee do some amazing work! Maybe I will get there one day!

Mike, thank you very much'.. Just have patience and it will come to you'... It's kind LIKE PRACTICE, and practice'... And practice'... 😁

A post-war 736 Berkshire rounds the bend at the harbor with is long freight train.

Randy, there is nothing there!

For today: " Early morning logging train."  Photo using natural light.  

@Quarter Gauger 48 posted:

                    There is no place like home sweet home'...

Ted, great scene...realistic...the evergreens look real

Thanks Paul'... Late afternoon, July, outdoor shot'...

Picking out a '55 Chevy Bel Air!

For today: " The Class One carriers of the Free State Junction Railway wish everyone a power full happy new year!!!! "

@Capetrainman posted:

Picking out a '55 Chevy Bel Air!

Capetrainman - Great photo!   If I were car shopping that 63 Corvette Stingray, in foreground, would be my choice.

@c.sam posted:

Great Shot Ray.  Is the red one a Chrysler? or a 53 Dodge/Desoto;  hard to tell...

Had to check, thought it was a Desoto but yes a Chrysler 300

Great shot Paul'... I'll take the Blond'....😀👱🏻‍♀️

Ted...I'll take two and the yellow convertible!  Patrick, you can never go wrong with a '63 split wing coupe...might be a little tight on room on certain occasions though?

Anyone for Ford's or Merc's?

For today: " The end of train 2020."

Track-plan tweak!

"First there were three but now there are two. Out with the old and in with the new"

2020:

2021:

Less one stub siding and it's track switch and four remote uncouplers.

Local swimming hole...a post New Year's dip!

Slopping the hogs, herding the sheep and milking the cows.

A K-Line, C&O Allegheny leads a long, night-time freight train past Terryville on track #2.

For today: " Holiday break is over.  Back to work!"

"Waiting their turn to unload":

The Pennsy hopper and the BN hopper are stored off-spot and will be moved to the Tipple and Grain Elevator during the next operating session while the B&O hopper and the graffiti-PRR hopper will be picked up and delivered empty to Interchange.

For today:  " N&W Y6b meets a Reading Train Master."

In approximately 5 minutes, we will be arriving at Union Station, Christopolis. Please check the overhead baggage racks for your personal belongings and thank you for riding the Great Northeastern Railway.

Looking downtown from our mountain.  Still have work to do on the roads.

For today: " Remembering the 1950s .... Promptly at 8 am this morning Gordy, the milk man,  steps out of his truck as he makes his daily delivery to Mr. Charles whose waiting on his front porch as usual."

A city street after a snow storm.

For today: " Just another day on the railroad ..... Changing out a set of trucks gone bad on a loaded hopper."

Today's switching-job rolls into Town:

For today: " MOW Caboxcar with Ernie the foreman on the back step."

I haven’t been on the layout in months because I had Covid and Double Pneumonia in both lungs. I’m getting better but still short of breath sometimes. So here one from the Dough Hill archives.

Fun at the swimming hole.

Another muggy summer day on Stoney Creek...