Dear Taku,

As you, I was in the same boat with little kids, not taking trips until they were older, etc.  Infants and toddlers are quite a handful, especially for Mom, I think.

My point is, you might want to consider some trips as possible.  We have a friend who flew their 3-month old daughter from central PA to Key West in a small single engine Cessna.  No problems, because they were mentally prepared and motivated to do it.

I, too postponed some trips with similar reasoning to yours, only to have missed opportunities now that we are divorced.

This is not meant to be a downer, just a friendly perspective!

Best Wishes and Enjoy those Children !

Jack

Dear RRR,

Couldn't find it.  Got a part no.?  Thanks.

Best Wishes,

Jack

Dear Friends,

Recently scoped out the Pine Creek Trail area near Wellsboro, PA, home of the PA Grand Canyon, for a July Boy Scout trip. 

http://www.gis.dcnr.state.pa.us/railtrails/oneTrail.aspx?name=Pine+Creek+Trail&RegID=2

In several areas there is trackage along Pine Creek and the bike trail.  Perhaps it belong to the Tioga Central RR.

http://www.tiogacentral.com/

There are multiple access areas, right along the road in at least 30-50 spots along the 50 miles of maintained bike trail.  There should be great viewing if any of you get up to see the PA Grand Canyon.  I am not sure if it is for excursion or freight.  Does anyone know?

Too, whilst looking up the Tioga Central RR, I found this nice link of Pennsylvania short lines.  Several are from my home area of western PA.

http://donsdepot.donrossgroup.net/dr819.htm

Hope you enjoy the links.  Any comments are appreciated.

Best Wishes,

Jack

Dear Jeff,

Thanks!  I'll have a kraut-dog in your honor!

Best Wishses,

Jack

As a kid in the 1950's we used to watch the slag cars dump their loads at the old J & L mill in Aliquippa.  Especially impressive at night.  That is Mike Ditka territory, I might add.

The PA network had a special about the specialty steel industry in Pittsburgh, going strong at 28,000,000 tons per year, if I remember right.  All the car panels are supposed to be made in the 'Burgh.

There should be some opportunity to view supply trains, n'est pa?

Best Wishes,

Jack

Dear Jeff,

Was driving too fast to get a gander.  How do I get down there to get a closer look?

This link listed the CSX depot in Donora:

http://pittsburgh-pa.yellowusa.com/Railroads.html

CSX
339 13th St
Donora,PA 15033
19.3MI from Pittsburgh
(724) 938-2817

Perhaps trains originate there?  Regardless, it is good to hear the rumble of the diesel engines and wheel-on-rail.

Another aside, a local fisherman told me he caught a chain pickerel, a beautiful two footer that cooked up real nice!

Best Wishes,

Jack

Dear Jeff,

Was down there Sunday afternoon under the Boston Bridge.   Two CSX trains came through.  The first was a consist of tankers, all CSX.  The second was container cargo.  Both were double headed.

Crossed the Duquesne Bridge and saw what you meant about the locos and rolling stock.

Thanks a million!

Did not know that Jim's was still doing business in W. Mifflin.  Had a few dogs with me Mum.  The last time I was there was 40 years ago.

Best Wishes,

Jack

Thanks, Jeff for the info. 

I will take my dear old Mother down there Sunday and watch a few choo choo's!  She now resides in Elizabeth at a nursing home, so I get out there several time a month.  I saw a few switchers working under the Boston bridge a month ago.  Where does that line go?

Best Wishes,

Jack

Dear Jeff,

That is a busy place!  Isn't the old Edgar Thompson works there?  Many moons ago we used to go over the Homewood-Rankin bridge on the way to West Mifflin to visit my sister.  I was born in the Rochester hospital, and have seen many trains pass through that area.  Back in 1982 or so the Zambelli's put on one heckuva fireworks display.  They towed two barges and had the tow boat hold them stationary in the water whilst the fireworks were ignited.  We watched them from the dock in Monaca.

Dear Nut,

I was in the Port last week and drove over that wonderful iron bridge from Port Vue.  Must be very old indeed.

Best Wishes,

Jack

Dear Friends,

Here in Altoona, one can go to the Horseshoe Curve Museum and get a print out of times regularly scheduled trains come through.  Possibly it is on line somewhere for this and other rail road companies.

Jeff Ward,

What part of the 'burgh are you in?

Best Wishes,

Jack

Jeffrey,

I'm with ya, buddy!  I used to ride the old line from Cape May to Philly, silver cars, probably diesel-electric, I believe.  That was in the early '70's.

Having grown up near Conway, there used to be a small refinery in Freedom that used switchers.  As you said, one time in the late 1950's the engineer waved my Dad and us two boys into the cab.  We got the ride of our lives!

In the 1980's my brother got to ride with the big wigs on the one millionth ton of coal to traverse the Horseshoe Curve.  I wonder if he did not enjoy the switcher better!

As always, if any of our rail friends are in Altoona, call me for a day of rail fanning and coffee and TastyCakes!

Best Wishes,

Jack

UP, with brilliant War Bonnets, 33,000+ miles of trackage, etc.
NS is second because I watch the choo choo's every day in Altoona, PA.
SOO Line is next, in deference to Jim Banner!

Best Wishes,

Jack

Dear Cas,

Just the ticket!  Thanks!

Dear Nathan,

Hadn't thought of that, probably the best idea!

Dear Bill,

How the heck are ya?  As Old Bill at Stone Harbor, NJ used to say, "I've got the fried potatoes in the skillet. Who's got the fish?"  Coffee's on!

Best Wishes,

Jack

Dear Friends,

Found this link which says Aristocraft has replacement Bettendorf trucks.
Anyone else have any idears?  Other than buying a junker off evil-bay?

http://www.elmassian.com/trains-mainmenu-27/ted-doskaris-vignettes-mainmenu-157/bettendorf-bb-retrofit-mainmenu-191

Best Wishes,

Jack

Dear Friends,

Does BM sell LS trucks?  I want to kitbash a few flat bed cars and cannot find any reference in the online catalog.

Thanks in advance!

Best Wishes,

Jack