Standard questions a yank might ask.

[subway156]

Have many of you been to the States?
No, I didn't vote for GW.
Has anyone ridden the entire London Underground tube and surface?
I was born 1 block away from the 3rd Avenue El in the South Bronx, 12 blocks away from Yankee Stadium.
Do you notice how ugly American locomitves are? I mean the ones they use for freight? Don't the look like hacked wedges of cheddar?
Where I live now, there is no passenegr service via rail for about 40 miles. The closest one is Philadelphia.
You may have noticed that I don't take myself very seriously. I have survivied cancer and want the most I can get from each day.
How do you like my avatar? This is why I love London's rolling stock. They use their imagination.
I notice many of your lines are multi-colored with separate liveries? Do you think they are cool? I mean, look at some of the Japanese trains. They are so abstract looking.
I admire the idea of some of your tube stock being used as buildings. That isn't very common here. Over here, the government is backward when it comes to mass-transit. They have mostly abandoned good running lines in favor of cars and bus lines. The last passenger service from the are to NYC stopped in 1960.
I'm just trying to feel you out. I am not an authority on trains. I did work as a loborer on ConRail from 1976-79. I just like riding trains and knowing how they work. The NYC system is still pretty cheap to ride. A $2.00 fare per trip or 7 dollars for an all-day pass.
Okay I've been enough of a pest for now. It's midnight where you people are.

 

[90019]

Have many of you been to the States?

At least one

No, I didn't vote for GW.

Good.

Has anyone ridden the entire London Underground tube and surface?

Not me, anyway.

Do you notice how ugly American locomitves are? I mean the ones they use for freight? Don't the look like hacked wedges of cheddar?

I quite like some of them, the Dash 9-44CW in the orange and green BNSF livery for example; a good looking beast, IMO. Of the passenger stuff, I do particularly like the Genesis locos, and especially the F59PHI and California II coaches of the Pacific Surfliner

How do you like my avatar? This is why I love London's rolling stock. They use their imagination.

I'm not too sure about the green one, personally. My favorie was the old NSE blue and white stock.

I notice many of your lines are multi-colored with separate liveries? Do you think they are cool? I mean, look at some of the Japanese trains. They are so abstract looking.

It brings a nice variation to what you see around the place, but we'll never end up with trains that look as wierd as the Jap's.

Okay I've been enough of a pest for now. It's midnight where you people are.

There's still a few of us on at this time, for example, because my computer's almost permenantly online, I'm probably showing as online a lot of the time, and likely 24/7 during the holidays (Although, I should add, I'm not always here, just a fair amount of time, and on and off a lot during the day )

 

[subway156]

I spend quite a bit of time digging in to sources regarding London's system as well as NY's. I look for what is different or outstanding from how the equipment looks and how its used. I admire the earliest of the tube and surface stock because I've never experienced any of it. In my younger days, I rode many of the "classic" units in NY and the older London sound almost identical with that distinctive whine. Here are all 3 of those 1986 experiemntal types.

 

[Mojo]

I do think we have at least one member who a few years ago attempted the world record attempt to cover all tube stations in the shortest time possible.

 

[subway156]

This was a program on one of the Hsitory channnels or Discovery about a group of college students who tried to break the record and an individual. I wouldn't want to break any records as I want to see all the stations, neighborhoods and equipment. I mean, if you are going, why not see it all?

 

[D9521]

Nice to see someone from somewhere other than the UK posting.. So whats your opinion on our mainline stock then for example the HST?

heres a pic
http://dan.ukgrrls.co.uk/p54893411.html

 

[subway156]

I imagine when you live in a place you become accustomed to whatever your surroundings have to offer. Seeing any rolling stock for countries outside of where you live can make you curious and also search for more. I do this all the time. I have saved pictures of many systems from many countries. Your main line units are a unique conglomeration of many styels and vinatges. here, except for AMTRAK, the locomotives are just plain ugly. They all look the same with their rectangular/squared off and jutting cooling fins up top. The liveries are so ugly that they make me whince. The old first built diesels of the 30's are just so cool and rugged. Of course, steam power was something else all together because of the many variatons to generate the strength they needed to move. Of course, sad to say, I have not yet made it to England. But I have ridden in Scotland from Kirkaldy to Edinburgh and back. Those carriages were comfortable and the staff were some of the nicest people I've ever encountered. The whole rail experience was a very good one for me and I look forward to an England trip in the near future. The English locomotives look like combinations of older lorries (like the Matchbox toys I had back in the 1960's) and newer powerhouses. I hope this all makes sense because I am going strictly by photos. Of course, I admire all the liveries used in your country because I am a color person. I mean I can appreciate color in places where drab need not exist. I live a short walk from a Norfolk & Southern trunk line. Those engines with their shineless black and white insignias are just plain awful. It's like they are members of the Ly family. Ugly, Beastly, Ghastly, and well, you get the picture. I love sculpted and oval front ends and colors that enhance designs. From what I've seen, your stuff is very, very good.

 

[Yank 119]

Nice to see someone from somewhere other than the UK posting.. So whats your opinion on our mainline stock then for example the HST?l[/URL]

From another yank...

I like the HST. Classy lines and a good solid design. I have to say my favourite TOC livery on them was the FGW "fag packet" scheme. I'm glad to have experienced Valentas when I did.

I can't say I'm a big fan of units, LHS is my bread and butter. But I've learned to enjoy just about everything the BR system has to offer. To me, nothing beats a ride in Mk I stock, flying down the mainline with the windows open. For me, that's the best way to experience British railways. Hopefully I'll get to experience that again, albeit on a railtour instead of a revenue train. My rides on Class 421s and 423s were my most memorable journeys. Too bad the stuff I want to see the most again is gone now!

here, except for AMTRAK, the locomotives are just plain ugly. They all look the same with their rectangular/squared off and jutting cooling fins up top.

They all look the same? You're not very observant, are you? You've effectively described a second generation GE locomotive. Maybe you're used to just seeing NS Dash 9s go by all day, but that's not all this country has to offer. A Brit would often say the same thing about a Class 66. Their sheer numbers make them boring. Travel elsewhere for more variety. Chicago comes to mind.

I mean I can appreciate color in places where drab need not exist. I live a short walk from a Norfolk & Southern trunk line. Those engines with their shineless black and white insignias are just plain awful. It's like they are members of the Ly family. Ugly, Beastly, Ghastly, and well, you get the picture.

You mean Norfolk Southern? Still bitter about the Conrail takeover? Seems to be a common theme among Pennsylvanians, who just want their beloved "Big Blue" back. I'll say one thing, black weathers a lot better than blue. NS is a hell of a railroad, and I really get tired of Conrail fans who will not stop complaining about it. You are entitled to your opinion, but stop whining about a railroad just because of their choice in paint.:roll:

Sorry, but that annoyed me a lot. Cheers.

 

[subway156]

Every single experience I've had on this site has been great. But I encounter someone from this country and what do I get? Your obstinance. It sounds like you are either very young and disrepectful, or you are still fighting and losing the Civil War. I certainly am entitled to my opinon. I am not learned about freight equipment here because it doesn't interest me in the least. I am interested in metros and passenger trains. Your remark about travel is ignorant. There is only one reason why I am bothering to respond to you, so that in the future if you see a post put up by me that you'll ignore it. If you want to participate on the net and desire to act like you know, that's not good enough. Because you peppered all your remarks with insults and you don't agree with my observations, and you have demostrated the usual self-proclaimed supremacy of which I do not ascribe. In the future just put me on your Pay No Mind list and I will do the same. Remember, think before you try to respond, I will not tolerate your trying to bring me down to your level and I will not get into word exchanges with someone who is of your ilk.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
I worked for Conrail for 3 years. I know all the passenger lines they killed off. That's one thing the U.S. sorely needs. You must live in a place where this type of service isn't needed. Fine. Just stay out of my posts.hock:

 

[D9521]

From another yank...

I like the HST. Classy lines and a good solid design. I have to say my favourite TOC livery on them was the FGW "fag packet" scheme. I'm glad to have experienced Valentas when I did.

I can't say I'm a big fan of units, LHS is my bread and butter. But I've learned to enjoy just about everything the BR system has to offer. To me, nothing beats a ride in Mk I stock, flying down the mainline with the windows open. For me, that's the best way to experience British railways. Hopefully I'll get to experience that again, albeit on a railtour instead of a revenue train. My rides on Class 421s and 423s were my most memorable journeys. Too bad the stuff I want to see the most again is gone now!



They all look the same? You're not very observant, are you? You've effectively described a second generation GE locomotive. Maybe you're used to just seeing NS Dash 9s go by all day, but that's not all this country has to offer. A Brit would often say the same thing about a Class 66. Their sheer numbers make them boring. Travel elsewhere for more variety. Chicago comes to mind.



You mean Norfolk Southern? Still bitter about the Conrail takeover? Seems to be a common theme among Pennsylvanians, who just want their beloved "Big Blue" back. I'll say one thing, black weathers a lot better than blue. NS is a hell of a railroad, and I really get tired of Conrail fans who will not stop complaining about it. You are entitled to your opinion, but stop whining about a railroad just because of their choice in paint.:roll:

Sorry, but that annoyed me a lot. Cheers.

I do see this as quite out of order to be honest.. he was merely expressing his opinion and you come and try and rain on his parade i do dislike members like you with a passion im afraid..

Thanks for your reply fijir

 

[subway156]

I did come down hard on his repsonse, but since he is an American, I could not allow him to prevail. This is why I usually have the definition of the word opinon spelled out at the bottom of my response box when I post elsewhere. Everyone has a right to possess an opinon, any attack is unforgiveable. Anyway, I really appreciate your response and I will share some of the different looks of locos that I am talking about. The older U.S engines are cool whereas the newere one look like a sewing machine out of it's cabinet.

 

[Yank 119]

Every single experience I've had on this site has been great. But I encounter someone from this country and what do I get? Your obstinance. It sounds like you are either very young and disrepectful, or you are still fighting and losing the Civil War. I certainly am entitled to my opinon. I am not learned about freight equipment here because it doesn't interest me in the least. I am interested in metros and passenger trains.

I fail to see how I was being obstinate. You wrote your original post like you wanted everyone here to agree with you how American equipment is ugly. You bring up the Civil War. Why? I'm sure you probably think I'm an ignorant hick from the South now, and I don't care, you don't know me. You find me young and disrespectful, fine. I'm 21 years old, in college and "young and dumb". Respect should be earned, and you certainly did not earn mine with the way you originally posted. We all have our areas of interest, and I do respect that.

Your remark about travel is ignorant.

No, it's not. Not traveling is being ignorant. Traveling broadens your perspectives and opens your mind. You see some pretty cool stuff, too.

Because you peppered all your remarks with insults and you don't agree with my observations, and you have demostrated the usual self-proclaimed supremacy of which I do not ascribe.

Now, I'm really sorry if you found my remarks insulting, but this was not my intention. Nowhere have I demonstrated "self-proclaimed supremacy". If you want to read it as so, fine. I can't do anything about it. I may have gotten a little carried away, but don't go act like a wounded dog after someone disagrees with you on a web forum.

In the future just put me on your Pay No Mind list and I will do the same. Remember, think before you try to respond, I will not tolerate your trying to bring me down to your level and I will not get into word exchanges with someone who is of your ilk.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
I worked for Conrail for 3 years. I know all the passenger lines they killed off. That's one thing the U.S. sorely needs. You must live in a place where this type of service isn't needed. Fine. Just stay out of my posts.hock:

What was that about being insulting? I never disagreed with you about needing more service.

I do see this as quite out of order to be honest.. he was merely expressing his opinion and you come and try and rain on his parade i do dislike members like you with a passion im afraid..

I don't see it this way, but okay. You can generalize and continue to loathe "members like me". I have my flaws, as do you. But I'm sure every time you see my username, negative thoughts will prevail. I regret that.

My apologies to everyone who has had the displeasure of reading all of this. Peace be with you.

 

[90019]

I fail to see how I was being obstinate. You wrote your original post like you wanted everyone here to agree with you how American equipment is ugly.

If you read it again, you'll see that he didn't. He was commenting on them asking whether people agreed with his point of view, which is that they're ugly and generally too similar in design.

 

[Yank 119]

If you read it again, you'll see that he didn't. He was commenting on them asking whether people agreed with his point of view, which is that they're ugly and generally too similar in design.

I still don't read it that way. It's not a neutral question either way. If he wanted it to remain neutral, he should have asked "Do you think blah blah blah"

Do you notice how ugly American locomitves are? I mean the ones they use for freight? Don't the look like hacked wedges of cheddar?

Nope, I don't notice. Sounds pretty "obstinate" to me.

 

[subway156]

Please allow the air to clear. You have said that you were sorry and I accept your apology. Please allow me to extend one to you as well. As for the advice about how to react/behave on a website. Well, to each his own. I am almost 56 years of age. All that means to me is that I have had many life experiences. I have also been on-line since the beginning of it's existance. I have dealt with death threats because I would agree with a person that his model Ford wasn't the best! I mentioned the Civil War to feel you out. Again, my apologies because that is something that can divide fellow countrymen and it was mean spirited of me. We can co-exist here, or anywhere with a certain amount of decorum while laughing at each others foibles. Good for you that you advancing your education. In this time of history, it may be impossible to progress without doing so. Finally, my intent originally with my questioining the opinon of others was to COMPARE. I feel most of the engines here are not attractive from an aesthetic point of view. Perhaps, from strictly an engineering vantage point, they can be called that. I really admire the different wind-cheating shapes of streamilined vehicles of any kind. Although my own car is an old styled PTCruiser, which is not aerodynamic at all. Yes, go ahead and laugh that off. That's another story all together.

 

[subway156]

The interior does look appealing to me, though the seats are a hard ride. The exterior still looks like a toaster without much style, class or grace. Hum drum.

 

[Yank 119]

Please allow the air to clear. You have said that you were sorry and I accept your apology. Please allow me to extend one to you as well. As for the advice about how to react/behave on a website. Well, to each his own. I am almost 56 years of age. All that means to me is that I have had many life experiences. I have also been on-line since the beginning of it's existance. I have dealt with death threats because I would agree with a person that his model Ford wasn't the best! I mentioned the Civil War to feel you out. Again, my apologies because that is something that can divide fellow countrymen and it was mean spirited of me. We can co-exist here, or anywhere with a certain amount of decorum while laughing at each others foibles. Good for you that you advancing your education. In this time of history, it may be impossible to progress without doing so. Finally, my intent originally with my questioining the opinon of others was to COMPARE. I feel most of the engines here are not attractive from an aesthetic point of view. Perhaps, from strictly an engineering vantage point, they can be called that. I really admire the different wind-cheating shapes of streamilined vehicles of any kind. Although my own car is an old styled PTCruiser, which is not aerodynamic at all. Yes, go ahead and laugh that off. That's another story all together.

Thank you for your civility here, I really appreciate it. We're here for the same reason - we like trains. The wonderful thing about this hobby is that there are so many facets to it. You like transit/passenger trains, so do I. I'm just glad to see another American extending his interests beyond the borders of our vast homeland. All this said, welcome to the forum. This has really been my first set of posts that has been noticed and replied to on here.

 

[subway156]

Wonderful! I know what it's like trying to get through to people on a site that greatly interests you. I frequent www.nycsubway.org all the time because the system most covered is my "home" system. I was born there. I drive over 120 miles just to use the system. It takes me to my childhood neighborhoods, but it has lost some of it's charm due to the changing times. The website is a huge clique for employees of the MTA and several other cities around the globe. It's hard to get through to them because you don't speak the lingo and you don't have daily acces to trains the way they do. My wife was born in England and also lived in Scotland. I rode the trains in Scotland several times and everything about those experiences was positive. We actually have considered retiring there in the future. We'll wait and see. Don't give up posting. I can see that you won't. You are right about this hobby. To me it's about history, tradition, breaking tradition and getting to see somewhere new on something I've never been on before. I also road those double-deck buses in Scotland. The drivers wheel those things on those narrow roads like their driving a Mini. They are rather bold to say the least and they laughed when they heard me speak, just like people here are so amazed when my wife says anything. Also, I wanted to mention that through Amazon you can acquire books on the subject of London Transport. I have bought several and they give great details about the rolling stock. One of my favorites is the "F" stock because of the ovular windows on the ends of each car. I am in the process of reading a book about the Kings and Queens of the United Kingdom and at the same time reading about the Philadelphia system. I am running off at the mouth here. There'll be many more opportunities to exchange things here and discuss our common affection for trains. I am always trying to learn more about it when ever I can. I'm sure you will have lots to share and maybe I can return the favor. Thank you.

 

[90019]

I also rode those double-deck buses in Scotland. The drivers wheel those things on those narrow roads like their driving a Mini.

Lothian Buses at all by any chance? (Or LRT depending on how long ago)

 

[subway156]

It was the Stagecoach line. They seemed to be varying models types. But they were hoary and pretty quick on the road. What make of bus is that? Where are they built? And those lovely seats! Never saw anything like that before. Then my wife told me about the tube seats and I checked all the moquettes. They are actually quite cool to me because, again, I never saw fabric like that. In the past several years, the New Jersey Dept. Of Trans. has buses with similar patterns. I don't quite see a "regular" recurring pattern, but they also seem rugged as what I found on Stagecoach.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Just checked out Statesboro on WIKI. Fine looking southern town. I love Federal architecture. I lived in Richmond, Va. back in the early 60's. Yeesh. Anyway, the last time I was anywhere south of the M/D line, I was visiting my brother who was living in New Bern, NC. He has since moved back to Pennsyltucky, er vania or whatever. Anyway, I had no knowledge of Statesboro and I am happy to have looked it up. I live in a place that is one square mile in area and holds about 2,000 people. Macungie is Native American (which tribe?) for "where the bear feeds". It's loacted at the base of a small mountain range and bears inhabit the mountainside along with many other beasts including big, brown hawks. They are everywhere, lurking from road lamps and trees just waiting for something to eat. They are majestic and sort of scary. I noticed a rail line through Statesboro, Is it all freight? If so, when/what line of passenger service covered there? Regular main line service from this area ended in 1960-1. We had a short line from the area (mainly Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton, Pa.) that ended in the 1980's. It went to Philadelphia, but now I have to drive 30 minutes to hook up to what's left of the line, the SEPTA R-5. They use Budd SilverLiners and expect those to have new line mates some time by next year with the SilverLiner-5. I'll find a shot of it and post it so our hosts can get a look at it.

 

[90019]

It was the Stagecoach line. They seemed to be varying models types. But they were hoary and pretty quick on the road. What make of bus is that? Where are they built? And those lovely seats! Never saw anything like that before. Then my wife told me about the tube seats and I checked all the moquettes. They are actually quite cool to me because, again, I never saw fabric like that. In the past several years, the New Jersey Dept. Of Trans. has buses with similar patterns. I don't quite see a "regular" recurring pattern, but they also seem rugged as what I found on Stagecoach.

How long ago was it?
And were they double decker, single decker or coaches?

 

[subway156]

How long ago was it?
And were they double decker, single decker or coaches?

My wife was just there in February and she said Stagecoach was the line and she saw doubles and singles. (I was last there in 2007.) I recall coaches were for longer trips. I also recall Lothians all over Edinburgh in varous types. Their doubles are much more modern and sleek than Stagecoach.

 

[subway156]

They are being built in Philadelphia in the old Budd factory. Hyundai is doing the work. I have included one of the older coaches.

 

[90019]

My wife was just there in February and she said Stagecoach was the line and she saw doubles and singles. (I was last there in 2007.) I recall coaches were for longer trips.

Satgecoach is the company, they have bus services all over the UK, and they run two TOCs as well (SouthWest Trains and East Midlands Trains). For their buses, they could've been a lot of things, I'm not too sure what exactly (I know a bit more about Lothian Buses )

I also recall Lothians all over Edinburgh in varous types. Their doubles are much more modern and sleek than Stagecoach.

The double deckers would probably have been:

• Plaxton President
• Wright Gemini Eclipse
• Scania Omnicity on the Airlink

if it was in the past few years.
Before that, you would've probably seen:

• Volvo Olympian
• Leyland Olympian

Getting the bus home, I always preferred a Volvo Olympian over a Leyland one

Single deckers; more recntly it would've been:

• Plaxton Pointer 2
• Wright Urban Eclipse
• Maybe an Optare Solo SR
• And If you're lucky, the single Scania Omnicity artic

I'm not too sure about the older single deckers on Lothian, as i never really used them or noticed them that much.
One thing I used to love on the older Leyland Olys was the strip along the roof on the top deck on the left hand side, the whole way along the bus, that was the bell You can see it going down the right hand side in this pic.

That photo brings back happy memories of travelling into town on the 23 when I was about 7 or 8, always sitting on the front right hand side of the top deck, looking down at the driver, hoping they wouldn't look back up at you. Everyone also wanted to be the one to push the bell; because it's such a novel and exciting thing at that age, to have to stand on the seat to reach it. It was also because up until a few months earlier, we'd been living much closer to the centre of town and could easily walk there, and had just moved to where we are now, about 3 miles to the north.

 

[MCR247]

omnicitys on the 500 are only recent on they? Before there was plaxton presidents wasnt there? 601 - ?

 

[subway156]

Holy Canarsie, 90019, I just realized you are from Edinborough! Well, when I first met my wife (we met through a website for a blues/rock band from the early 70's: Free), it was at the Edinb. Airport. We corresponded through computers for over half a year. We sent pictures and all that and then after I finally spoke to her over the phone, I was invited over. At the time she was living in Kennoway, Fife. She lived there because that wehere her parents bought a new hone in the 1970's when she moved there from London. Her daughter lives in Leven and she is getting married in August, 2010 and I will give the bride away in her future husbands tartan, Robertson. I am so honored. Anywa, as far as the buses themselves, for the fisrt time I can recall, I didn't notice what make they were. I have to look for some pix I have as I think I have an image or two somewhere. This coming June we will celebrate our 5th anniversary. Sure wish I had some IrnBru. Yum. Actually, I'd love a baked potato w/cheddar cheese and a healthy dollop of haggis!

 

[90019]

omnicitys on the 500 are only recent on they? Before there was plaxton presidents wasnt there? 601 - ?

The 100s are usually slightly different to the rest of the Lothian fleet, but up until a few years ago they were President's. I think they moved to the Omnicity in 2006. Not sure what happened to the President's they used before.

Also, talking of Lothian, I saw one of their few new Eclipse Gemini 2s on the 23 as I was cycling home this afternoon: