76 replies to this topic

[WhoozOn1st]

The Rail Riot?

I liked through the looking glass

"Rail-A-Rama" was also considered, but quickly rejected for sounding too much like a mattress commercial.

[WhoozOn1st]

A little help?

Okay, we're in the process of reworking the post-Gathering itinerary to include the Strasburg Rail Road. This means renting a car to get to Strasburg, and a couple nights in Philadelphia. Now that Founding Fathers, Constitutional Convention, and City of Brotherly Love stuff is all well and good. But Philly these days can be summed up in one word: CHEESESTEAK!!

When Philly CHEESESTEAK turns up in media, the focus is usually on two places: Geno's Steaks and Pat's King of Steaks.

It's my understanding that these two joints are very close to one another. I seem to recall that some time back an AU member posted a shot of one of them that included a SEPTA train running not far away in the background. So the little help, if anybody knows: Which SEPTA line runs close by?

The only time I've been to Philly was a team day trip in college to row in Crew races on the Schuylkill River, and I know next to nothing about getting around the city.

CHEESESTEAK!! ("Whiz wit")

CHOWDAH!!

[GG-1]

A little help?

Okay, we're in the process of reworking the post-Gathering itinerary to include the Strasburg Rail Road. This means renting a car to get to Strasburg, and a couple nights in Philadelphia. Now that Founding Fathers, Constitutional Convention, and City of Brotherly Love stuff is all well and good. But Philly these days can be summed up in one word: CHEESESTEAK!!

When Philly CHEESESTEAK turns up in media, the focus is usually on two places: Geno's Steaks and Pat's King of Steaks.

It's my understanding that these two joints are very close to one another. I seem to recall that some time back an AU member posted a shot of one of them that included a SEPTA train running not far away in the background. So the little help, if anybody knows: Which SEPTA line runs close by?

The only time I've been to Philly was a team day trip in college to row in Crew races on the Schuylkill River, and I know next to nothing about getting around the city.

CHEESESTEAK!! ("Whiz wit")

CHOWDAH!!

Aloha

the Picture you are refering to is mine and here is and as I turn Around Here is Pat's. I can contact My cousin and find out what line in the background is. But as Tuesday I head east for two weeks It will be then. Pat's was more expensive but larger Sandwitches. They are oh so good. Traveling around the city is interesting, there are some beautiful areas right next to some very seedy Areas. I you want here is my Philadelphia Gallery

Eric

[had8ley]

Gesundheit

Danke, sky. Alan is correct about the horseshoe deal. The SP (now UP) curve north of SLO is a single track main, but also much sharper than the famous one. On the Tehachapi route (a passenger rarity) northbound the horseshoe drop is insanely cool. Running downhill on both lines it's almost like coming in for a landing aboard a plane: winding back and forth as if on approach while losing altitude.

Uphill is very cool too, though I've only done that on the Starlight by SLO. You can feel the engines working hard on the grade.

I'll agree with Whooz; a rarity.The switchbacks between Helper and Provo on the CS get my vote. It's tough to see anything going west but a beautiful sight going east. Most people don't know it but you travel 14 miles going down westbound before you actually make any westward progress. And there's nothing like meeting a Utah Railway coal train struggling with just enough horses to make the "hill."

Edited by had8ley, 21 March 2009 - 10:01 AM.

[Alice]

Gesundheit

Danke, sky. Alan is correct about the horseshoe deal. The SP (now UP) curve north of SLO is a single track main, but also much sharper than the famous one. On the Tehachapi route (a passenger rarity) northbound the horseshoe drop is insanely cool. Running downhill on both lines it's almost like coming in for a landing aboard a plane: winding back and forth as if on approach while losing altitude.

Uphill is very cool too, though I've only done that on the Starlight by SLO. You can feel the engines working hard on the grade.

I'll agree with Whooz; a rarity.The switchbacks between Helper and Provo on the CS get my vote. It's tough to see anything going west but a beautiful sight going east. Most people don't know it but you travel 14 miles going down westbound before you actually make any westward progress. And there's nothing like meeting a Utah Railway coal train struggling with just enough horses to make the "hill."

I still like watching freights on the Williams Loop in the Feather River, especially the longer ones that loop on themselves. UP 844 is leaving California on this route May 2, a great viewing/photo op, but I need to be in LA early on May 3 so don't see how I can make that, and it won't be long enough to see the loop in a still shot anyway.

[WhoozOn1st]

Because Alice has been so thorough and successful in doing the heavy lifting for the rail reservations portion of The Patrick & Alice RailRiot 2009, it's time for me to kick in with the lodging plans. This is my first experience in seeking wheelchair-accessible accommodations, and I don't mind telling you it's quite a challenge. I've done the best I could, and thought I'd share this aspect of our plans. Lodging through Amtrak Unlimited Third Annual Gathering at Boston:

PORTLAND, OR:

Ex-Western Pacific boxcar 87716, under a nearby bridge, slightly deteriorated, but with ramp. One night, free.

CHICAGO:

Idle Southwest Airlines baggage conveyor belt at Midway Airport. One night, twenty bucks under the table to guy I know.

PITTSBURGH:

Loading dock at Pittsburgh Pirates baseball stadium, ramp. One night, peanuts.

ALTOONA, PA:

Abandoned coal mine shaft, four nights. The less said the better.

BOSTON:

Freelance freeloading at the expense of other Gathering attendees, four nights.

Not bad! Questions, suggestions?

Edited by WhoozOn1st, 08 April 2009 - 02:08 AM.

[Long Train Runnin']

BOSTON:

Freelance freeloading at the expense of other Gathering attendees, four nights.

Not bad! Questions, suggestions?

Hey were on the same page for Boston Except I am calling it a railfan exchange program seeking a host Railfan to be my sponser and pick up my tickets room and board. So far nobody seems interested Instead of people to people its more Railfan to Railfan.

[WhoozOn1st]

It gives me a measure of pleasure to inform everybody who reads this thread - both of you - that planning for the Patrick & Alice RailRiot 2009 is virtually complete. Now all I have to do is keep Alice's wheelchair pointed right. Kinda like a shopping cart with a bum wheel, she always wants to wander off in a different direction.

The itinerary as posted 2-28-09 in this thread remains largely intact, with one major change post-Gathering:

Instead of Crescent from New York to Atlanta, we'll be taking a Northeast Regional from New York to Philadelphia (CHEESESTEAK!!), where we'll rent a car and head out to Strasburg, PA, to ride behind steam at the Strasburg Rail Road. A couple nights out there (WAY cheaper than anything decent around Philly), then ditch the car back at PHL and board the Crescent to Atlanta.

This addition took some tampering with the Amtrak reservations, Alice doing a fine job of dealing with that, and extended the RailRiot by a day or so.

All lodging arrangements have been made, with the exception of Rouses Point on the Adirondack turn, which Alice will soon accomplish (has to be done by phone; no websites for hotels up there). We thought about holding off on that one, but in addition to leaf peeper season in those parts it might also be moose hunting season, beaver trapping season, and/or the season for whatever else those quasi-Canucks do up there by the border when nobody's looking (which is most of the time); best to book early.

[Alice]

All lodging arrangements have been made, with the exception of Rouses Point on the Adirondack turn, which Alice will soon accomplish (has to be done by phone; no websites for hotels up there). We thought about holding off on that one, but in addition to leaf peeper season in those parts it might also be moose hunting season, beaver trapping season, and/or the season for whatever else those quasi-Canucks do up there by the border when nobody's looking (which is most of the time); best to book early.

Done, add to your prior list:
ROUSES POINT, NY:
Waterfront accommodations! Under the old docks at the new marina, shared with numerous ducks and one goose (heated feather comforters). I think this will be superior to the coal mine.

Edited by Alice, 17 April 2009 - 01:38 PM.

[GG-1]

Aloha "Guys"

I need some Looking Glass Windex, so far it is still to cloudy to tell how much of this I can be a part of. But you notice I do expect to be a part of this.

Mahalo
Eric

[the_traveler]

[shared with numerous ducks and one goose (heated feather comforters)

Are the heated feather comforters for the people or the ducks and goose?

[WhoozOn1st]

shared with numerous ducks and one goose (heated feather comforters)

Are the heated feather comforters for the people or the ducks and goose?

The ducks and goose ARE the heated comforters, Mr. Wisenheimer.

Unfortunately I'll have to stay at a hotel at Rouses Point as I'm highly allergic to goose feathers: down syndrome.

[had8ley]

Because Alice has been so thorough and successful in doing the heavy lifting for the rail reservations portion of The Patrick & Alice RailRiot 2009, it's time for me to kick in with the lodging plans. This is my first experience in seeking wheelchair-accessible accommodations, and I don't mind telling you it's quite a challenge. I've done the best I could, and thought I'd share this aspect of our plans. Lodging through Amtrak Unlimited Third Annual Gathering at Boston:

PORTLAND, OR:

Ex-Western Pacific boxcar 87716, under a nearby bridge, slightly deteriorated, but with ramp. One night, free.

CHICAGO:

Idle Southwest Airlines baggage conveyor belt at Midway Airport. One night, twenty bucks under the table to guy I know.

PITTSBURGH:

Loading dock at Pittsburgh Pirates baseball stadium, ramp. One night, peanuts.

ALTOONA, PA:

Abandoned coal mine shaft, four nights. The less said the better.

BOSTON:

Freelance freeloading at the expense of other Gathering attendees, four nights.

Not bad! Questions, suggestions?

Sounds to me like our S/A Pat ought to be crawling around some of these glorious locations.

[the_traveler]

CHICAGO:

Idle Southwest Airlines baggage conveyor belt at Midway Airport. One night, twenty bucks under the table to guy I know.

...

suggestions?

You got ripped off! I know a guy that will do it for $15 - in small unmarked coins!

[Shanghai]

If you are serious about the Strasburg railroad, there used to be a Red Caboose Motel next to the railroad. They are refurbished cabooses and very fun. We stayed in one when are kids were younger and it was a good experience. This was more than 20 years ago.

[the_traveler]

Red Caboose Motel.

[WhoozOn1st]

Thank you, Shanghai, for the Red Caboose Motel suggestion, and thanks traveler for the link. I looked into it, but don't believe it's really suitable for The Patrick & Alice RailRiot 2009. For Alice there's the wheelchair accessibility thing, and I found no mention of this anywhere. I suppose I could rig some block and tackle and hoist Alice aboard one of the cabeese, but it's the lack of internet access that really put the kibosh on it.

[WhoozOn1st]

I suppose I could rig some block and tackle and hoist Alice aboard one of the cabeese

For a visual demonstration of the correct method for employing block and tackle in a hoisting situation, see The Music Box, which includes a number of incorrect methods of accomplishing related tasks. Almost 30 minutes, so sit back and enjoy (looks surprisingly good at full screen).

[AlanB]

I suppose I could rig some block and tackle and hoist Alice aboard one of the cabeese

For a visual demonstration of the correct method for employing block and tackle in a hoisting situation, see The Music Box, which includes a number of incorrect methods of accomplishing related tasks. Almost 30 minutes, so sit back and enjoy (looks surprisingly good at full screen).

That's a classic, I don't think that I ever laughed so hard as I did the first time I saw that years ago. I was probably 16 at the time and had gotten that movie from the library on 16mm film.

Thanks for the memories Patrick!

[Everydaymatters]

Can't see it. Darn Dial Up !?#*@ (- those are swear words)