Railroads of today V. yesterday.

[CSSHEGEWISCH]

After a couple of readings, I've come to the conclusion that ALL of us have the fondest memories of the era in which we grew up. My era is the 60's and early 70's. Having said that, I have discovered that railroading is still incredibly fascinating even with all the changes since that era.
For example, until fairly recently, the BRC had a roster that resembled an operating diesel museum, and they were all well-maintained. The current roster might be viewed by many to be more plain-Jane, and perhaps it is, but I still find the BRC to be an interesting operation. After all, how many other railroads operate a bi-directional hump? The same could be said of many other operations in this area.
The era in which we grew up wil always be our favorite, but change is inevitable and railroading is still interesting.

[Wdlgln005]

Nancy remonds me of one of my best train trips ever. I'd flown out to Salt Lake to take the Rio Grande Zephyr east to Denver. I think it was a 12 hour ride between the 2 cities, but what a trip! I had a copy of Never on Wednesday and tried to get a picture of all the stations along the route, from tiny Rifle & Dotsero, etc. Spend as much time as possible in the Budd short domes. It was so cool to ride in the observation dome down from Moffat Tunnel, seing the city lights down below as the train snakes its way thru all the other tunnels & curves on the route. And the large MARS light in front swinging from side to side. Get Out of the Way!

I'm glad that the DRGW route is still open but if I had my way, the Rio Grande Zephyr would still be operating with classic Budd cars & F40's for power.

[Anonymous]

The new Amtrak coaches are nothing compared to the old coaches in comfort. The old seats fit your back and you did not hurt after sitting in the seats a few hours. The newer coaches the back of the seats are shaped like " ) " and unless you are about 6 feet tall they bend your back terrible.

There is nothing that compares to riding in the "old" dome cars. The new trains have a lousey "strobe" light that lights up absolutely nothing, and you can only see out the sides of the observation cars.

On Christmas Holiday (back about 1966) we rode up in the dome car, Late at night in the mountains full of snow, you could see the whole train front to back as it went around the various curves. The search light on the front of the train would change different directions continously, as the train moved around all the bends and tunnels and the beauty was absolutely breathtaking.

The snow made everything light and bright even though it was the middle of the night. You could see the frozen or partially frozen river along the side of the train.

Eastbound they had to thaw the wall hung toilets in Fargo. Coming back to West as you came out of the Cascade Tunnel you went from pure white to bright green. Like emerging into a fairy land. Then as the temperature began to rise all the ice between the cars bagan to melt. What a mess! Water everywhere, as more would track in every time someone went between cars.

[Wdlgln005]

There used to be 20 or more class 1 systems. That makes 20 different choices in paint schemes, operations, and the rest. Now we are down to 7. We still have the flame wars between BNSF-UP-CSX-NS-CN-CP. which is best, biggest, etc.
For passengers, Amtrak today dosen't go to as many places as it did 30 years ago. More & more people fly or drive. So there's no connection to a passenger train unless you are lucky to have a commuter service or you have a museum for Thomas to come to town. Thomas is off the public TV in many markets.

[Anonymous]

Jim, I definetly took that as a compliment and was just having a little fun when I stated that it was I who wrote it. Thank you very much! I've always been a big fan of things from years gone by. Back in the 40's and 50's it was a simpler time without many of the things we have to deal with now. There was something very special about the railroads. I myself am what you would call a history buff and I also am constantly accumulating antiques or junk (depends which way you look at it) from years gone by. Like JanBojarp, I too prefer classic cars to anything made today. I may not have been there to live back in the golden years of railroading and other things, but I yet I somehow feel as if I have. That may not quite make a whole lot of sense, but I can't think of a better phrase to use.

[Anonymous]

Mitchell [:)]

As you know I am older than you but I too missed the good ol days of railroading. I even missed the 40 s and 50 s. As most people have said railroads then had character but today they do not. I like most of the older stuff even tho I didn't actually see it in regular mainline service. Then everything "railroad" had style and character, it's OWN style and character. Now everything just looks alike.

Your first post showed a grace and wisdom far beyond your years. That is what I meant by the comment that your grandpa must have written it. You know me too well and know it wasn't meant as anything but a compliment.

I have some more "stuff" to mail you, both email and snail mail. Talk to you later.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Sask_Tinplater

QUOTE: Originally posted by jhhtrainsplanes

QUOTE: Originally posted by Sask_Tinplater

There are many things about today's railroads that are better and worse than those of yesteryear. Years from now, railroading today will still be looked back upon by railfans with fondness and there will be those who will remenise about it. However, I still don't think that anything going on in railroading today will at all be looked back upon in the same way and with the same nostalgia that that railroads of previous times were. There was something more glamorous about railroads before and these trains will always have a very special place in the hearts of railfans. When you look at the railroads of today, there's just no comparison. I do love today's trains, but not as much as those from days gone by. Steam and first generation diesel will live on forever in our hearts. By the way, I should mention that I was born in 1986 and was never there to experience the eras of railroading we're talking about. I wi***hat I had was born earlier.

Mitchell, your post had to be written by your grandpa. You spoke just like someone 30 or 40 years or more older than you are. It would be just like what I would say. The steam engines are living, breathing machines to me. It is sad that many will never know the feel of the heat from the firebox, or the hiss of steam. I wasn't old enough to see the steamers in action in their heyday, but have been a museum volunteer on steam excursions. It is simply undescribable to see them highball down the mainline pulling a passenger train. The mix of first generation diesels and all the color available in the 40s, 50s, and 60s was a picnic feast. Railroads then had some character, now they don't. It still is enjoyable to see a train, but there is just something lost now that will never return.

Nope Jim, that was all written by me. I may be young, but that doesn't mean I don't have an appreciation for the finer things of the past. I've always been a big fan of the 40's-60's, not just railroading. In my opinion the railroads of that time and earlier had real class. I may have been born a few decades too late, but that doesn't mean I don't know great railroading when I see it.

"I may be young, but that doesn't mean I don't have an appreciation for the finer things of the past."
I can't agree more Mitchell. Just look at me, I'm 34 and I mist most of the "good ol' days".
Just to mention a few of the things that I like myself. I'm deeply sorry my friends since this is a wee bit off topic.
I just love, besides steamlocomotives, 1st and some 2nd generation diesels, those old Indian's and Harley Davidson's (pre 60's). I can look for hours on those BSA's, Norton's, Triumph's, AJS etc, etc. They don't build cars like Jaguar E-Type, Ferrari Dino, in my opinion they stopped building beautiful in the early 1960's.
Today's racing cars, BAH! A Lola T-70, Ferrari 330P4 and Ford's GT-40 is some of the most beautiful racing cars ever built. You guys remember those old Lotus Formula racing cars and their fellow thoroughbreds from the 50's, 60's and early 70's?
I also like old sailing ships and those old beautiful luxury liners.
Finally, I only have to say, Albatros D, Fokker Dr 1, P-51, P-47, P-38 etc, etc.
I'm sincerely sorry guys for getting this far "off topic", I hope that you can forgive me.
Some things WAS better before!

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jhhtrainsplanes

QUOTE: Originally posted by Sask_Tinplater

There are many things about today's railroads that are better and worse than those of yesteryear. Years from now, railroading today will still be looked back upon by railfans with fondness and there will be those who will remenise about it. However, I still don't think that anything going on in railroading today will at all be looked back upon in the same way and with the same nostalgia that that railroads of previous times were. There was something more glamorous about railroads before and these trains will always have a very special place in the hearts of railfans. When you look at the railroads of today, there's just no comparison. I do love today's trains, but not as much as those from days gone by. Steam and first generation diesel will live on forever in our hearts. By the way, I should mention that I was born in 1986 and was never there to experience the eras of railroading we're talking about. I wi***hat I had was born earlier.

Mitchell, your post had to be written by your grandpa. You spoke just like someone 30 or 40 years or more older than you are. It would be just like what I would say. The steam engines are living, breathing machines to me. It is sad that many will never know the feel of the heat from the firebox, or the hiss of steam. I wasn't old enough to see the steamers in action in their heyday, but have been a museum volunteer on steam excursions. It is simply undescribable to see them highball down the mainline pulling a passenger train. The mix of first generation diesels and all the color available in the 40s, 50s, and 60s was a picnic feast. Railroads then had some character, now they don't. It still is enjoyable to see a train, but there is just something lost now that will never return.

Nope Jim, that was all written by me. I may be young, but that doesn't mean I don't have an appreciation for the finer things of the past. I've always been a big fan of the 40's-60's, not just railroading. In my opinion the railroads of that time and earlier had real class. I may have been born a few decades too late, but that doesn't mean I don't know great railroading when I see it.

[Anonymous]

Unlike during my favorite decade...the 1970's...the growth of short lines keep things interesting. They are also often a worthy home for some fine looking antiques. And some of their operating practices are right out of the 19th Century...

[coalminer3]

Enjoy what you see today, get your pictures and videos because it will be gone before you know it. Change is a constant in the railroad industry, despite what many people think, and equipment, buildings, cars have a way of vanishing seemingly overnight.

Some cases: I remember seeing and shooting wood box and refrigerator cars - they disappeared seemingly overnight. Then there were GP7s and GP9s. What happened to the GG1s, or for that matter Amtrak F40s? One last observation. Awhile back I showed a friend some "long ago" pictures of Alco RS3s I made. He got all wistful and said, "I wish I had seen one run!" We won't even talk about what he said about PAs and E7s. His reaction set me back a bit until I realized that I made those pictures 4-5 DECADES ago, and it was "everyday" stuff I was photographing. I recall my feelings at looking at a still missed deceased friend's b&w prints of Boston and Albany 2-8-4s he shot when they were "right out of the box" new - so it's all part of a long and honorable tradition.

work safe

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Sask_Tinplater

There are many things about today's railroads that are better and worse than those of yesteryear. Years from now, railroading today will still be looked back upon by railfans with fondness and there will be those who will remenise about it. However, I still don't think that anything going on in railroading today will at all be looked back upon in the same way and with the same nostalgia that that railroads of previous times were. There was something more glamorous about railroads before and these trains will always have a very special place in the hearts of railfans. When you look at the railroads of today, there's just no comparison. I do love today's trains, but not as much as those from days gone by. Steam and first generation diesel will live on forever in our hearts. By the way, I should mention that I was born in 1986 and was never there to experience the eras of railroading we're talking about. I wi***hat I had was born earlier.

Mitchell, your post had to be written by your grandpa. You spoke just like someone 30 or 40 years or more older than you are. It would be just like what I would say. The steam engines are living, breathing machines to me. It is sad that many will never know the feel of the heat from the firebox, or the hiss of steam. I wasn't old enough to see the steamers in action in their heyday, but have been a museum volunteer on steam excursions. It is simply undescribable to see them highball down the mainline pulling a passenger train. The mix of first generation diesels and all the color available in the 40s, 50s, and 60s was a picnic feast. Railroads then had some character, now they don't. It still is enjoyable to see a train, but there is just something lost now that will never return.

[Anonymous]

There are many things about today's railroads that are better and worse than those of yesteryear. Years from now, railroading today will still be looked back upon by railfans with fondness and there will be those who will remenise about it. However, I still don't think that anything going on in railroading today will at all be looked back upon in the same way and with the same nostalgia that that railroads of previous times were. There was something more glamorous about railroads before and these trains will always have a very special place in the hearts of railfans. When you look at the railroads of today, there's just no comparison. I do love today's trains, but not as much as those from days gone by. Steam and first generation diesel will live on forever in our hearts. By the way, I should mention that I was born in 1986 and was never there to experience the eras of railroading we're talking about. I wi***hat I had was born earlier.

[Anonymous]

As an american railfan since the 1960's, I best recall the 1970s as a most interesting time. Alot of changes were happening with all the railroads. Many old and rare pieces still operated, and it was a fun time chasing them down. I saw sets of 6 or more f units on freights, I saw triple headed E units on freights on the Rock Island and Erie Lackawanna. Not to mention the E-6 and later units on passenger trains.

To answer Your question, no I do not think this era will be remembered in the same fashion because much like the automobiles of yester year the trains have lost all character in favor of an absolute design for profitability, performance and reliability.

I still love todays trains, but some how, deep inside, when I see a dash-9 come around the corner, a little piece of me was secretly looking for some F-units or even SD-40-2's.

we've lost the wonderful designs of the past and many other things as well, such as the caboose, the passenger train (for all intents and purposes) but change is also good. we now have safer more fuel efficient diesels and if the railroads save money by cutting corners (like cabooses) they will do it. and they should. An un profitable company is a week company. just ask the Milwaukee Rd or The Rock Island....Its simply all a matter of economics.....changing times.......and competition. in the 1970's, I felt loosing all the railroads was a real possibility.

[Overmod]

I used to think the same thing, back in the early 1970s -- when the SDP40F came out, I thought it was ugly and ridiculous and couldn't wait for it to go. Now I find myself avidly following the ones that remain...

I also welcomed the arrival of the U34CHs for Erie Lackawanna/New Jersey Transit, even if it meant that the E8s, passenger GP9, and other wonderful EL antiques were going. Those were honorary steam locomotives, if you ever saw (and heard!) one start on a cold day with a heavy train.

In some respects, this is another golden age. I have watched Dash-9 GEs on several railroads, and they're not to be missed. Even better are the SD90MACs, with or without the H engine. All kinds of interesting passenger locomotives.

I will admit to having a moment of shock a month ago. I drove my three-year-old son down to watch trains in Montgomery, Alabama (on the way to Florida). There was a pair of four-motor GEs looking very old -- and I can remember when those locomotives were brand new, just yesterday in the 1970s...

I grant you that many of the paint schemes could be better... but quite a few of the modern BNSF schemes, for example, rival the classics!

I do agree that it's a shame insurance costs, etc. seem to have killed off the steam revival movement that was so great in the 1980s.

[Anonymous]

Just wondering folks.
Do you think that people will talk about todays railroads with same love,
as we do about the railroads in its glory years, or as it is for me from the early 1900's and up to 1976, pre Conrail?
To me, railroads today have NOT the same pulling power as they had
when trains pulled by a 4-8-2 or a set of F-7's.
I mean, even though I'm born in 1969 in Sweden, which means I've not had the luxury of see, smell, ride or touch a train on your side of the pond. I LOVE the American railroads and it's history, even though I've only seen it in books and videos.
What is AC4400 (whatever), compared to a set D&RGW F-7's in their first black and yellow paint?
As I said, will people talk about todays railroads with same I don't know, passion maybe (would that be the correct word?), as we do about yesterdays??

All the best folks!

Jan