Greatest Show on Earth still moving by rail?

[techguy57]

I spent yesterday afternoon trainwatching with my girlfriend in around in some of the nearby burbs and had a really great day. Lots of action and some kinda surprising sights (including a SOO caboose!) Anyway on my way home I went past Allstate Arena where Ringling Bros circus is in town for a couple of weeks and much to my surprise noticed a strange sight on the tracks a mile or so to the west: Chrome silver passenger style trains sitting on the track. Now this really caught my attention since I haven't ever seen a lot of action on this track but never any passenger types. So (since I was thankfully in the passenger seat) I tried to figure out what they were and could see "The Greatest Show on Earth" logo on the train. You should have seen the excitement on my face! [:o)]

Did anyone else know Ringling Bros., Barnum and Bailey still used trains?If so does anyone know what they haul in the trains. I have to admit that I was astonished. I hope to head back for a closer look on Monday. I will try to update on more specific location for those that are interested but I'd love to hear your thoughts or info on this !

Mike

[jsanchez]

They have two trains that cross the country, the red and blue units, basicaly the whole circus moves by train; animals , perfomer's, equipment, etc. The James E. Strates carnival still moves by rail also. With the highway systems getting worse, moving by rail helps these shows avoid getting stuck in congestion and it makes it easier to make schedules and show times. Ringling did try trucks at one point, but went back to rail, I believe in the late 50's after going by truck turned into a disaster.

[dharmon]

QUOTE: Originally posted by techguy57

I spent yesterday afternoon trainwatching with my girlfriend in around in some of the nearby burbs and had a really great day. Lots of action and some kinda surprising sights

This isn't going to lead to another story in the "Rail Rage" thread is it......?[}:)][;)]

Seriously though, I have seen one of the trains and it is quite a sight to see. Sort of passenger meets TOFC meets work train.

[techguy57]

James-Thanks for the info. I 'm guessing I saw the red one since the logo and markings all had a red background.

Dan - LOL![:D] Thankfully it won't lead to the rail rage section, and thanks for pointing out that maybe next time I should consider my wording a little more[:)]

Hopefully I can get close enough to take some pictures for the posting.
Thanks again and if you have any other info please pass it along.

Mike

[edblysard]

Hi Mike,
Ringling hits the Houston area around october, they set out their train in the old SP station, which is now our Amtrak depot.
You should see the faces of people when this thing comes to town.
The passenger cars are actually the homes of the performers.
We went down to the station a few years back, and one of the clowns allowed us to take a peek, my daughters are really persistent.
Each performed has their own compartment, shared with one other.
Married couples, and those with children get a larger one, and the kids have a teacher who conducts school.
This train is really a self contained mobil town, everything they needs goes with them.
It must be a amazing way of life.
The clown said he and his wife had been with them for 20 years, and had a small home in Florida where they lived during the off season.
His wife was a accountant for the circus, his son was in college, and their daughter worked for the circus as a animal trainer/handler. She was 17, and he said she had been born on the train. Yes, a doctor and a small emergency ward car travels with the train, this thing is really self contained.
Almost makes you want to run off and join the circus.
He said every body has double duties, not only what they do during the show, but what they do after the show, or on the train.
The only people who dont work for Ringlings are the engineer and conductor, who are provided by either Amtrak or the host railroad.
While we were walking around with this guy, you sorta feel like you tresspassing in peoples houses, you could hear TVs, radios, kids playing, almost like a neighborhood on wheels.
A lot of the windows were open, and you could see into the cars, it looked just like a small apartment would.
Like I said, if I had been single, it almost makes you want to join up!
Stay Frosty,
Ed

[Anonymous]

We just handled the circus train a couple of months ago. I didn't get called to spot it, but I was told that if I did not to leave my grip on the engines. The Circus people have been known to rifle through the crews stuff.
Ken

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by ironken

We just handled the circus train a couple of months ago. I didn't get called to spot it, but I was told that if I did not to leave my grip on the engines. The Circus people have been known to rifle through the crews stuff.
Ken

Ken [:)]

I am sure it is just the monkeys. [:D]

[Anonymous]

Somewhere (only God knows where) around the house are pictures I have taken of the Circus Train--both red and blue units. I have watched them, after the shows are over, load up. It is amazing how quickly they manage to load. Like the old saying "practice makes perfect" I bet they know just where every piece of equipment goes even in their sleep.

[Anonymous]

Hey TechGuy I saw the same 4 chrome or silver cars you saw.

Happy to see another northwest-sider on this fourm