That time of the year has returned!!! Weather starting to cool off, air quality good again...and "visions of JTS trains dance in our heads"!! Makes me long for the return to the "hills and the desert".
Must say it has indeed been a while; esp for me...and not just cause of the summer heat. The home remodeling/building business in non-existent and time are to say the least "tough". Makes for doing extra and special things difficult.
That having been said, I'm still trying. And with that in mind, coupled w/the "lure of the high country and trains" want to get back and see how ole 529 is persisting. Had hoped to finish residing the one side last year ;almost but not quite. So; goal for this year is to complete that segment and then start on the other side.
Initially gave consideration to just re-conditioning the second side, but now with the new siding on; the remaing side looks bad...on with it....Hey; after all: it's just time and money!!!!
I have some photos of the interior of the 529 in its original configuration that I obtained from Espee Historical. Soon as I can get rd to it, will post in the 529 along with the already posted original newspaper article and the model. Would try to post here on the blog, but that's above my pay grade (ability!!)
Ole 529 has quite a history from its long haul days to its final time as a transfer unit. (Just makes it all the more amazing that JTS acquired it and why it needs to be preserved) It has been rebuilt three times by Espee. If I can survive and persevere, I'd like to put her back in the original configuration. ....And for those of you who have asked, YES, it did have a "crapper" and an enclosure. A good ole "straight thru the floor type". Imagine what that must have been like rolloin down the rails in the winter time!!!! Oh well, when ya gotta go...ya gotta go!!!! Right. Had drop-down sleeping bunks as well.
Thanks to TA for getting the log-in info to me so I can get the blog going again. My computer completely was eaten up and I lost my address and everything.
Also: any one able to make a monetary contribution to the continued efforts; such would be much appreciated. This process is expensive. Make the contribution to JTS/Caboose fund....and thxz from me and 529.
HAPPY TRAININ!!!!
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Sunday, January 17, 2010
evolution, con'd
CABOOSES ROCK!!!!
There are those of us RR "purests" who still feel a train just isn't a train w/o a cabbose...well, ok, then, us old guys...but such is still the case!!!
Cabooses DO ROCK..no, not talking about that moving motion. Yes, they did do that, severly in the beginning. But the change from freight trucks to pass. ones made a huge difference. I'm talking about "cool!!", or as todays kids would call it..."awesome!!" They were (are) something special...and the likes of our 529 are something special again. And that's why we need to preserve it...but more on that later...for now, back to "the evelotion"!!!
The continued "development" of the caboose is generally creditied to a chap named Nat Williams, a passenger conductor for the Auburn & Syracuse RR (NYC system) somewhere rd 1840. He was fed up w/the cramped and uncomfortable "quarters" he had on the pass. trains in which to transact his duties. Usually consisted of finding an open seat or being relagated to any availalbe space in the baggage car where he could do his paper work. Had to be a better way.
He had heard of the conversions that some RR construction crews out west were using, but being out in the weahter w/the wind blowing his papers rd and the heat/cold was not an exciting thought.
Then one day he had one of those "AH-HA" moments. Why not use one of those short boxcars (then called bobbers...hench the name bobber caboose), cut in a doorway, and Wall-Ah ...They already had roof/sides and weather protection!!! His next "AH-HA" moment was, hey; got all kinds of room in here...I can store tools, flags, lanterns, spare part, etc. other things the train might need. (thus arrising the common practice of all cabooses)
His brain-storm was soon picked up by others, even back to the constr. crews where the "concept" origninated!!! Railroads soon also pick up on the idea/value of these...made 'em longer, added windoows, stoves, bunks. etc. and the evelouton of the caboose was on!!!!! To bad for Williamas that trademarks/copyrights weren't rd yet....he could have gotten rich!!!!!
Next: the "rise" of the cupola. And ever wonder why cabooses came to be painted red???? At least for a long time
There are those of us RR "purests" who still feel a train just isn't a train w/o a cabbose...well, ok, then, us old guys...but such is still the case!!!
Cabooses DO ROCK..no, not talking about that moving motion. Yes, they did do that, severly in the beginning. But the change from freight trucks to pass. ones made a huge difference. I'm talking about "cool!!", or as todays kids would call it..."awesome!!" They were (are) something special...and the likes of our 529 are something special again. And that's why we need to preserve it...but more on that later...for now, back to "the evelotion"!!!
The continued "development" of the caboose is generally creditied to a chap named Nat Williams, a passenger conductor for the Auburn & Syracuse RR (NYC system) somewhere rd 1840. He was fed up w/the cramped and uncomfortable "quarters" he had on the pass. trains in which to transact his duties. Usually consisted of finding an open seat or being relagated to any availalbe space in the baggage car where he could do his paper work. Had to be a better way.
He had heard of the conversions that some RR construction crews out west were using, but being out in the weahter w/the wind blowing his papers rd and the heat/cold was not an exciting thought.
Then one day he had one of those "AH-HA" moments. Why not use one of those short boxcars (then called bobbers...hench the name bobber caboose), cut in a doorway, and Wall-Ah ...They already had roof/sides and weather protection!!! His next "AH-HA" moment was, hey; got all kinds of room in here...I can store tools, flags, lanterns, spare part, etc. other things the train might need. (thus arrising the common practice of all cabooses)
His brain-storm was soon picked up by others, even back to the constr. crews where the "concept" origninated!!! Railroads soon also pick up on the idea/value of these...made 'em longer, added windoows, stoves, bunks. etc. and the evelouton of the caboose was on!!!!! To bad for Williamas that trademarks/copyrights weren't rd yet....he could have gotten rich!!!!!
Next: the "rise" of the cupola. And ever wonder why cabooses came to be painted red???? At least for a long time
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Welcome back to Blog529...and Merry Christmas!!! The season of compassion, caring and giving. Let me ask you: how many of you realize how fortunate you are this season..to have a job (income), home and family? Come on, don't be bashful ( bashful is a dwarf) raise your hands!!! How many of you feel blessed???....Come on, keep your hands up. How many of you feel compassion for the less fortunate...esp. to the point of willingness to assist them, after all, it is the spirit of the season.....Now don't drop your hands!!!!
Well, here at JTS we also have a less fortunate situation that could really use your compassion and giving. My little Mistress 529 is starting to feel abondoned and foresaken again. W/the depression in the home remodeling business I can no longer give her the things she wants and desires. I feel badly about that, but that's just the way things are.
Won't you take pity on her and come to her aid...I KNOW how much she would appreciate you feeling of love and understanding. JTS stands ready to accept your assistance and once againg make her happy. Just make a note.....to Ms: 529.
And from both of us: thanks and the best to you in the new year
.
Well, here at JTS we also have a less fortunate situation that could really use your compassion and giving. My little Mistress 529 is starting to feel abondoned and foresaken again. W/the depression in the home remodeling business I can no longer give her the things she wants and desires. I feel badly about that, but that's just the way things are.
Won't you take pity on her and come to her aid...I KNOW how much she would appreciate you feeling of love and understanding. JTS stands ready to accept your assistance and once againg make her happy. Just make a note.....to Ms: 529.
And from both of us: thanks and the best to you in the new year
.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Chapter 3: Interlude....the Caboose, Part I
Ok; raise your hand if you know how long the caboose was around? Forever you think....well, close to it. Plus/minus 140 years, give or take a few, in one form or another. Any idea on how it got its name? I didn't either, but was curious.
The generally accepted derivation seems to come from the days of early sailing ships where sailors often set up box-like shelters around their stoves on the ships deck to protect the fires and protect themselves. The Dutch called 'em kabuises; the Germans, kabuses. The English called the ships galley a "caboose".
Now, how in the world you ask, did a railroad car in the United States come to be called a "caboose". Not as far fetched as it seems...follow along.
During the early years of railroad building around the US, but particularly in the midwest and out west, the work trains consisted of flat cars and box cars which were used to transport men and materials. No "news" here, right. But the crew boss and the road forman had really no place to do their work...bills of lading, time sheet, material and food orders, etc., so it became common practice for them to arrange a flat car to be placed at the end of the train, back from the engine smoke and the work area, where they could "hang-out". They used nail kegs and boards as tables/chairs. An evolvement of this was adding a heating/cooking stove on the car. One problem they kept having....the wind and heat/cold. So, a simple soultion was to build shelter "boxes" around themselves. Ah-HA!!!! Did the "light just come on"?!! Get the connection!!! As lots of the railroad workers were immigrants from Europe.....the transitioning of ship terminology to rail terminology was inevitable....and the Dutch, German pronunciaton was "Englishized"
Little "shelter boxes" on vessels sailing along on water.....to vessels sailing along on rails.....HEY!!! Works for me!!!!
Next Chapter....the caboose evolves.
Ok; raise your hand if you know how long the caboose was around? Forever you think....well, close to it. Plus/minus 140 years, give or take a few, in one form or another. Any idea on how it got its name? I didn't either, but was curious.
The generally accepted derivation seems to come from the days of early sailing ships where sailors often set up box-like shelters around their stoves on the ships deck to protect the fires and protect themselves. The Dutch called 'em kabuises; the Germans, kabuses. The English called the ships galley a "caboose".
Now, how in the world you ask, did a railroad car in the United States come to be called a "caboose". Not as far fetched as it seems...follow along.
During the early years of railroad building around the US, but particularly in the midwest and out west, the work trains consisted of flat cars and box cars which were used to transport men and materials. No "news" here, right. But the crew boss and the road forman had really no place to do their work...bills of lading, time sheet, material and food orders, etc., so it became common practice for them to arrange a flat car to be placed at the end of the train, back from the engine smoke and the work area, where they could "hang-out". They used nail kegs and boards as tables/chairs. An evolvement of this was adding a heating/cooking stove on the car. One problem they kept having....the wind and heat/cold. So, a simple soultion was to build shelter "boxes" around themselves. Ah-HA!!!! Did the "light just come on"?!! Get the connection!!! As lots of the railroad workers were immigrants from Europe.....the transitioning of ship terminology to rail terminology was inevitable....and the Dutch, German pronunciaton was "Englishized"
Little "shelter boxes" on vessels sailing along on water.....to vessels sailing along on rails.....HEY!!! Works for me!!!!
Next Chapter....the caboose evolves.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Chapter 2 TBC
Perhaps the hot season is gone, good weather returning....at any rate it's JTS time again, YEA!!!!!! Ahh, .....let's see....where was I; oh, yes......the TBC.
Have you figured out what had happened during our "away-time"? The winds together with the HOT, dry sun had done a number on the tarps. (I did mention I'd get back to the winds. Those of you who've been to JTS know the way the wind blows up there.) And number in deed, actually " number"s". The tarps were nothing but numbers of shreads, part/pieces. Guess the tarps were not the way to go...least up here. About the only things left were the tie-down ropes. As I started the clean up, had to ask myself.....why had Chris and I done such a great job of knot-tieing...Ropes are still in place, nothing else is!! And why did we make so many knots...and so tight!!!!
Back to square one on the protection/weatherization. I need to get at least a semi-perminent roof on here. Have to do that sooner or later, the sooner got here before the later. Definitely need to protect this GEM.
So...up to the roof top the coursers he flew; w/a shovel, a hoe and a hammer or two.....
As most of the original canvas covering was already gone, decided to remove the rest. 'Sides I needed to examine the boards anyway. (pretty good shape!!). Got the roof stripped, then got some 70lb. roofing base, ready to 'get 'er done.
Ever noticed that set to do the "the best laid plans.." Murphy shows up..Yup; did I mention that the wind blows up here. Trying to get rolled roofing felt down on the roof w/hellish wind blowing is a real fun time. Bet I make a great target too. Must have been some kinda job for the breakmen who used to walk up here. Not only with the wind, but rain, snow and the rocking motion of the cars.
Gives one real compassion for what thy did. Thank you Mr Westinghouse!!!
Inspite of it all (it gets cold up @ JTS too), and going thru the "construction vocabulary" several time, got two layers of felt down. Secured it with nailer strips. Mission accomplished. (NOTE: have had to replace it since...need a perminent roof. But that is $$$$....any "assisters". Need to establish a fund for that....Guess need talk the boss)
Next task was to preserve the wood on both ends and the doors. Pretty certain going to have to replace the wood siding on the "sun-side", perhaps the other side as well, may be able to keep the ends. That, however, requires heavy stripping, sanding, filling, sanding, base prime coat, touch-up filling, sanding nother prime coat...then two coats finish (gonna take three). Rebuilt the rear door, front is next.
This endevor took the rest of the season.....Next the siding.
Have you figured out what had happened during our "away-time"? The winds together with the HOT, dry sun had done a number on the tarps. (I did mention I'd get back to the winds. Those of you who've been to JTS know the way the wind blows up there.) And number in deed, actually " number"s". The tarps were nothing but numbers of shreads, part/pieces. Guess the tarps were not the way to go...least up here. About the only things left were the tie-down ropes. As I started the clean up, had to ask myself.....why had Chris and I done such a great job of knot-tieing...Ropes are still in place, nothing else is!! And why did we make so many knots...and so tight!!!!
Back to square one on the protection/weatherization. I need to get at least a semi-perminent roof on here. Have to do that sooner or later, the sooner got here before the later. Definitely need to protect this GEM.
So...up to the roof top the coursers he flew; w/a shovel, a hoe and a hammer or two.....
As most of the original canvas covering was already gone, decided to remove the rest. 'Sides I needed to examine the boards anyway. (pretty good shape!!). Got the roof stripped, then got some 70lb. roofing base, ready to 'get 'er done.
Ever noticed that set to do the "the best laid plans.." Murphy shows up..Yup; did I mention that the wind blows up here. Trying to get rolled roofing felt down on the roof w/hellish wind blowing is a real fun time. Bet I make a great target too. Must have been some kinda job for the breakmen who used to walk up here. Not only with the wind, but rain, snow and the rocking motion of the cars.
Gives one real compassion for what thy did. Thank you Mr Westinghouse!!!
Inspite of it all (it gets cold up @ JTS too), and going thru the "construction vocabulary" several time, got two layers of felt down. Secured it with nailer strips. Mission accomplished. (NOTE: have had to replace it since...need a perminent roof. But that is $$$$....any "assisters". Need to establish a fund for that....Guess need talk the boss)
Next task was to preserve the wood on both ends and the doors. Pretty certain going to have to replace the wood siding on the "sun-side", perhaps the other side as well, may be able to keep the ends. That, however, requires heavy stripping, sanding, filling, sanding, base prime coat, touch-up filling, sanding nother prime coat...then two coats finish (gonna take three). Rebuilt the rear door, front is next.
This endevor took the rest of the season.....Next the siding.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Chapter 1: The start
When trying to get those "little" projects done rd the house, ever asked yourself ...."w/all this to do...where do I start?" That was the question here....looking at all that needed doing, where do I start....
TA sent me schedule of work weekends when he, others would be there, so I popped by. Got together w/him and Chris, discussed what seemed to be the most critical issues. We all agreed that there really wasn't much doubt about it...had to arrest the deterioration/weather intrusion.
OK!!!!! Now we are rollin along!!!
So, what's the fastest way to do that? It's November and winter is coming on......oh YA, for you LA/OC, etc. folks....Joshua Tree actually has winter...even snows up there!!!! Imagine that!!! (found out also that JT has big time winds too...but more on that later)
As Chris also belongs to other RR associations and I w/Orange Empire, we noted that it seemed to be a common practice in trying to preserve rolling stock, etc., to wrap 'em in tarps....Sounds like a Plan!!!!
Chris and I agreed to come back in couple of weeks, armed w/tarps and rope, have at it. Well, "Murphy" being what/who he is......ever tried putting up big tarps on something the size of that caboose w/monster winds blowing? (Later, looking back on our attempts, I guess we should have seen the situation as a premonition/warning of things to come; didn't) Being good soldiers, we pressed on. Actually we did a pretty good job.....thank you very much!!!!
That being accomplished, what next??? Since there actually were no steps on most of the frames, platforms were rotted away, access in/out of the unit was a problem. Logical next step.....Right.. I thought so too. Therefore the rest of the work season was directed to remove/replace/place exactly that.
Returning the following season.....guess what had taken place over our absence...................TBC
TA sent me schedule of work weekends when he, others would be there, so I popped by. Got together w/him and Chris, discussed what seemed to be the most critical issues. We all agreed that there really wasn't much doubt about it...had to arrest the deterioration/weather intrusion.
OK!!!!! Now we are rollin along!!!
So, what's the fastest way to do that? It's November and winter is coming on......oh YA, for you LA/OC, etc. folks....Joshua Tree actually has winter...even snows up there!!!! Imagine that!!! (found out also that JT has big time winds too...but more on that later)
As Chris also belongs to other RR associations and I w/Orange Empire, we noted that it seemed to be a common practice in trying to preserve rolling stock, etc., to wrap 'em in tarps....Sounds like a Plan!!!!
Chris and I agreed to come back in couple of weeks, armed w/tarps and rope, have at it. Well, "Murphy" being what/who he is......ever tried putting up big tarps on something the size of that caboose w/monster winds blowing? (Later, looking back on our attempts, I guess we should have seen the situation as a premonition/warning of things to come; didn't) Being good soldiers, we pressed on. Actually we did a pretty good job.....thank you very much!!!!
That being accomplished, what next??? Since there actually were no steps on most of the frames, platforms were rotted away, access in/out of the unit was a problem. Logical next step.....Right.. I thought so too. Therefore the rest of the work season was directed to remove/replace/place exactly that.
Returning the following season.....guess what had taken place over our absence...................TBC
Monday, August 17, 2009
Prologe: the beginning
Well, TA (Tom Arnold) thinks he can get an old dog to do new tricks!!! So..here goes!!!
Happend to get introduced to JTS few years ago almost on a fluke. Been a train nut most of life time, brother and sister-in-law of course knew about it and one day at work sis got to "talkin train stuff" w/guy at work who then asked if she knew about a group of other "train-folks" who hung out out in the desert north of where they live called Joshua Tree & Southern..NO..well should get to know them!!! and, oh, by the way I think they have some kind of a BBQ coming up...go to their website, check 'em out.
Well....wound up going to the BBQ. Met some of the folks and this chap(TA) gave us the "cooks tour" Showed us around, gave brief background and future plans....then showed us this awesome colletion of RR cars....then we came to IT. Stuck way back in the back like a lost sheep....OMG!!!! there it was.
How about THAT said my bro.....there is just what you keep talking about wanting...old style, coupla, wood-sided CABOOSE. It's not Illinois Central (we are from Ill.) but next best thing....it's an ESPEE!!!!! OMG...then TA took us thru it.....I was just stunned........
But then about as quick as the excitment came, I was "bummed" What is w/this deterioation/neglect....doesn't anyone care about this GEM....where's the LOVE!!!!!!! ......... My brother explained to TA that my major career focus was in restoration and since I was looking for just such a piece as this, maybe there was a KARMA MOMENT here.....
Well........TA being the "master" he is; didn't miss a beat.......I think we (JTS) have just found the love this gem needs......If you join up....how'd you like to take this one as a project....(LOL...sucker!!!)
Guess you have figured out ....yup.....did join up......and yup....SP529 has become my LOVE interest.....expensive interest......but very rewarding and actually very gratfull that TA and the folks have let me run w/it.
In fact I do renovation work, residential,..and goodly portion of it is in "historical representation"; even at one point help w/restoring antique aircraft ( an other fromer vise..before it got so expensive) ..........THUS THE BEGINNING
Happend to get introduced to JTS few years ago almost on a fluke. Been a train nut most of life time, brother and sister-in-law of course knew about it and one day at work sis got to "talkin train stuff" w/guy at work who then asked if she knew about a group of other "train-folks" who hung out out in the desert north of where they live called Joshua Tree & Southern..NO..well should get to know them!!! and, oh, by the way I think they have some kind of a BBQ coming up...go to their website, check 'em out.
Well....wound up going to the BBQ. Met some of the folks and this chap(TA) gave us the "cooks tour" Showed us around, gave brief background and future plans....then showed us this awesome colletion of RR cars....then we came to IT. Stuck way back in the back like a lost sheep....OMG!!!! there it was.
How about THAT said my bro.....there is just what you keep talking about wanting...old style, coupla, wood-sided CABOOSE. It's not Illinois Central (we are from Ill.) but next best thing....it's an ESPEE!!!!! OMG...then TA took us thru it.....I was just stunned........
But then about as quick as the excitment came, I was "bummed" What is w/this deterioation/neglect....doesn't anyone care about this GEM....where's the LOVE!!!!!!! ......... My brother explained to TA that my major career focus was in restoration and since I was looking for just such a piece as this, maybe there was a KARMA MOMENT here.....
Well........TA being the "master" he is; didn't miss a beat.......I think we (JTS) have just found the love this gem needs......If you join up....how'd you like to take this one as a project....(LOL...sucker!!!)
Guess you have figured out ....yup.....did join up......and yup....SP529 has become my LOVE interest.....expensive interest......but very rewarding and actually very gratfull that TA and the folks have let me run w/it.
In fact I do renovation work, residential,..and goodly portion of it is in "historical representation"; even at one point help w/restoring antique aircraft ( an other fromer vise..before it got so expensive) ..........THUS THE BEGINNING
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