How did your love of railroads start.

[Anonymous]

For me, I guess, it was as a kid and we were leaving on the family vacation. It was during the steam era, after we were settled in the coach, my Dad would take me and my brother out on the platform and up to the head of the train to look at this monster hissing steam and letting out little groans. I guess railroads have always meant something good was about to happen. Maybe I sound corny but that's how I feel. How about you?

[sooblue]

When I was 5 my parents bought a house 200 feet away from the tracks at the top of the "big hill" in NE mpls. The first Soo that came through that first night woke all of us up. I can't remember sleeping that night as trains passed every two hours or so. After the first week I never heard a train in the night again. But there wasn't a day that went by that I wasn't down by the tracks. It was that way for the next 15 years. When I go back into the old neighborhood and see what has happened to my old haunts I get blue.[:(]

Now its almost as abandoned looking as the old section of track that Soo used to use to get up the hill before they built the cut off. And it's down to one set of main tracks too!
A shell of it's former self. [V]

HA ! the hobo jungle still exists though. It outlasted the DICKS ![:D]

Soo[:(]

[sooblue]

When I was 5 my parents bought a house 200 feet away from the tracks at the top of the "big hill" in NE mpls. The first Soo that came through that first night woke all of us up. I can't remember sleeping that night as trains passed every two hours or so. After the first week I never heard a train in the night again. But there wasn't a day that went by that I wasn't down by the tracks. It was that way for the next 15 years. When I go back into the old neighborhood and see what has happened to my old haunts I get blue.[:(]

Now its almost as abandoned looking as the old section of track that Soo used to use to get up the hill before they built the cut off. And it's down to one set of main tracks too!
A shell of it's former self. [V]

HA ! the hobo jungle still exists though. It outlasted the DICKS ![:D]

Soo[:(]

[Anonymous]

When I was growing up in the 1950's, Dad took us kids to watch trains at the IC depot in Rockford IL. The IC had E units on its passenger trains and steam (usually Mountain types) on freights until GP-7's started taking over. Then, each summer from 1950 to 1959, family vacations were taken at Rock Lake near Lake Mills WI. Our cottage just happened to back onto CNW's Milwaukee-Madison line which featured a daily passenger local powered by an E unit and a way freight usually pulled by an Alco RS-3. That was enough to hook me! I now model several railroads of the 1950's era in HO scale. I wanted to do something more with my passion for trains, so I wrote and published a novel, Two Track Main, about people affected by the railroads' changeover from steam to diesels. Check it out at: xlibris.com/TwoTrackMain.html

John Baie

[Anonymous]

When I was growing up in the 1950's, Dad took us kids to watch trains at the IC depot in Rockford IL. The IC had E units on its passenger trains and steam (usually Mountain types) on freights until GP-7's started taking over. Then, each summer from 1950 to 1959, family vacations were taken at Rock Lake near Lake Mills WI. Our cottage just happened to back onto CNW's Milwaukee-Madison line which featured a daily passenger local powered by an E unit and a way freight usually pulled by an Alco RS-3. That was enough to hook me! I now model several railroads of the 1950's era in HO scale. I wanted to do something more with my passion for trains, so I wrote and published a novel, Two Track Main, about people affected by the railroads' changeover from steam to diesels. Check it out at: xlibris.com/TwoTrackMain.html

John Baie

[Willy2]

My love for trains started when I was very little. One time I saw a train with my dad and I must have decided that I liked it very much. I would always ask if we could go see trains after that evening. I have seen hundreds of trains since then and I still plan to see hundreds or maybe even thousands more!

Willy

[Willy2]

My love for trains started when I was very little. One time I saw a train with my dad and I must have decided that I liked it very much. I would always ask if we could go see trains after that evening. I have seen hundreds of trains since then and I still plan to see hundreds or maybe even thousands more!

Willy

[Chazmort]

When I was only 3 or so, we would take the MBTA subways across the Boston area. I only remember being on the Orange and Blue lines. Then, in Michigan, we lived across a vacant lot from the Ann Arbor RR, long before it became the TSBY. My Dad was from Wyoming and my Mom from Nebraska. Both grew up in towns right on the UP line. A few years ago I visited that town in Nebraska and was awake much of the night listening to freights blow through town. It was great.

[Chazmort]

When I was only 3 or so, we would take the MBTA subways across the Boston area. I only remember being on the Orange and Blue lines. Then, in Michigan, we lived across a vacant lot from the Ann Arbor RR, long before it became the TSBY. My Dad was from Wyoming and my Mom from Nebraska. Both grew up in towns right on the UP line. A few years ago I visited that town in Nebraska and was awake much of the night listening to freights blow through town. It was great.

[atl126]

My love of railroads came when i was 4 when my grandpa took downtown fremont ohio and we watched trains and he took me over to Bellevue to the rail musuem i love trains thats all i can talk about and now for the past 5 years i've lived 200 yards from the tracks i may only be 17 but all my life all i've wanted to do is work with the railroad and have been able to talk with some people that work for norfolk southern outta bellevue and have seen what i have to do go get in with them well thats all i guess laters andrew

[atl126]

My love of railroads came when i was 4 when my grandpa took downtown fremont ohio and we watched trains and he took me over to Bellevue to the rail musuem i love trains thats all i can talk about and now for the past 5 years i've lived 200 yards from the tracks i may only be 17 but all my life all i've wanted to do is work with the railroad and have been able to talk with some people that work for norfolk southern outta bellevue and have seen what i have to do go get in with them well thats all i guess laters andrew

[JoeKoh]

Start with an older brother who put me on the front of his bike or buckled me into a car everytime a train(N&W) came through town.Have a family friend in Indianapolis who started with Nyc and retired as a yardmaster .with Conrail.Then in 1976 family moves to Defiance.Dad could have got a house anywhere in town but he choose one 1/2 block from the B&O(chessie then csx) main line.Also find out your step-grandfather(who died before you were born) worked for the NKP.I like to take matt to the park and get back to that old neighboorhood as much as I can.I will be there tommorow after work mowing a former neighboor ladies yard.Who knows what Csx will have come down the line.
stay safe
joe

[JoeKoh]

Start with an older brother who put me on the front of his bike or buckled me into a car everytime a train(N&W) came through town.Have a family friend in Indianapolis who started with Nyc and retired as a yardmaster .with Conrail.Then in 1976 family moves to Defiance.Dad could have got a house anywhere in town but he choose one 1/2 block from the B&O(chessie then csx) main line.Also find out your step-grandfather(who died before you were born) worked for the NKP.I like to take matt to the park and get back to that old neighboorhood as much as I can.I will be there tommorow after work mowing a former neighboor ladies yard.Who knows what Csx will have come down the line.
stay safe
joe

[Anonymous]

all good stories. I guess there is something about trains, steam or diesel, that gets to us. It could be that it was a way to see what is over the hill. When we saw what was there it was a way home. With the changes too many times you can not go back and find much left. But memories and people to talkto are great. These forums are good for that I think.. Bernt T.

[Anonymous]

all good stories. I guess there is something about trains, steam or diesel, that gets to us. It could be that it was a way to see what is over the hill. When we saw what was there it was a way home. With the changes too many times you can not go back and find much left. But memories and people to talkto are great. These forums are good for that I think.. Bernt T.

[Anonymous]

I guess it all started with the train set under the tree way back when and the bug has always been there - stronger some years than others - always wanted that setup in the attic but no one builds attics anymore[:(]
I even built a 4x8 basic layout for my son but it never really caught on - not enough space to make it a semi-premanent structure and the wiring still eludes me[B)] - one day my dream will come true and I will have the whole basement to play in - I even told my wife [:X] that today - she laughed again [:D].

[Anonymous]

I guess it all started with the train set under the tree way back when and the bug has always been there - stronger some years than others - always wanted that setup in the attic but no one builds attics anymore[:(]
I even built a 4x8 basic layout for my son but it never really caught on - not enough space to make it a semi-premanent structure and the wiring still eludes me[B)] - one day my dream will come true and I will have the whole basement to play in - I even told my wife [:X] that today - she laughed again [:D].

[Walrus942]

My father was a railroader, as was his father. I had 2 uncles and a cousin working for the RR also. My uncle was a hostler at the deisel repair shop and I used to ride engines around the yard with him....that's what got me hooked, I think. Been chasing and modeling trains since I was about 10 yrs old.....there's nothing better.

[Walrus942]

My father was a railroader, as was his father. I had 2 uncles and a cousin working for the RR also. My uncle was a hostler at the deisel repair shop and I used to ride engines around the yard with him....that's what got me hooked, I think. Been chasing and modeling trains since I was about 10 yrs old.....there's nothing better.

[BNSFNUT]

When I was very little we lived on an LV branch line. The tracks went through the back yard. You had to cross the tracks to get to the old barn and chicken coops.
The crew would throw the New York City papers off the caboose for my father, he was responsible for inspecting the milk cars for 5 creamerys that where on the branch when they were delivered.
My grandfather was an railroader for about 50 yrs , He passed way before I could remenber him but my father always telling me storys about him.
I guess getting daily doses of coal smoke got me hooked.

[BNSFNUT]

When I was very little we lived on an LV branch line. The tracks went through the back yard. You had to cross the tracks to get to the old barn and chicken coops.
The crew would throw the New York City papers off the caboose for my father, he was responsible for inspecting the milk cars for 5 creamerys that where on the branch when they were delivered.
My grandfather was an railroader for about 50 yrs , He passed way before I could remenber him but my father always telling me storys about him.
I guess getting daily doses of coal smoke got me hooked.

[Mookie]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Chazmort

When I was only 3 or so, we would take the MBTA subways across the Boston area. I only remember being on the Orange and Blue lines. Then, in Michigan, we lived across a vacant lot from the Ann Arbor RR, long before it became the TSBY. My Dad was from Wyoming and my Mom from Nebraska. Both grew up in towns right on the UP line. A few years ago I visited that town in Nebraska and was awake much of the night listening to freights blow through town. It was great.

Going to take a stab at this an ask if it was Alliance NE?

Mook

[Mookie]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Chazmort

When I was only 3 or so, we would take the MBTA subways across the Boston area. I only remember being on the Orange and Blue lines. Then, in Michigan, we lived across a vacant lot from the Ann Arbor RR, long before it became the TSBY. My Dad was from Wyoming and my Mom from Nebraska. Both grew up in towns right on the UP line. A few years ago I visited that town in Nebraska and was awake much of the night listening to freights blow through town. It was great.

Going to take a stab at this an ask if it was Alliance NE?

Mook

[Anonymous]

For me it started as a fear! As a boy of three or four I remember taking my father to the Rte. 128 train station outside of Boston so that he could ride the train to work. The New Haven engine was big, and loud, and with steam escaping everywhere and the McGinnis paint scheme, it looked and sounded like a dragon on cold New England mornings. I was so afraid I couldn't get out of the car, but I was fascinated! I've been hooked ever since.

[Anonymous]

For me it started as a fear! As a boy of three or four I remember taking my father to the Rte. 128 train station outside of Boston so that he could ride the train to work. The New Haven engine was big, and loud, and with steam escaping everywhere and the McGinnis paint scheme, it looked and sounded like a dragon on cold New England mornings. I was so afraid I couldn't get out of the car, but I was fascinated! I've been hooked ever since.

[Anonymous]

When I was 15 I took a 2-1/2 day trip from Montreal to Edmonton on CN. No sleeper just coach but what a great trip. Hanging out in the vestibule with the half door open. Meeting all kinds of people, seeing all kinds of nature. The whole coach singing with a guitar player and a harmonica player just jammin'. Eating the dinner meal in the Cafe/Lounge car, was one of the highlights as was the 3 hour layover in Winnepeg at 2AM.

[Anonymous]

When I was 15 I took a 2-1/2 day trip from Montreal to Edmonton on CN. No sleeper just coach but what a great trip. Hanging out in the vestibule with the half door open. Meeting all kinds of people, seeing all kinds of nature. The whole coach singing with a guitar player and a harmonica player just jammin'. Eating the dinner meal in the Cafe/Lounge car, was one of the highlights as was the 3 hour layover in Winnepeg at 2AM.

[bigboy4024]

i was born into the hoby my uncle works for the BNSF in dilworth minnesota big boy

[bigboy4024]

i was born into the hoby my uncle works for the BNSF in dilworth minnesota big boy

[Anonymous]

I was taken on the Dixie Flagler overnight from Chattanooga, TN, to Daytona Beach, FL., at the age of three. I have vague memories of it and have been told that I enjoyed it immensely. Obviously I got locked into the hobby at that time and have been ever since. My favorite trains of all time will always be the Dixie Flagler(later re-equipped and re-named the Dixieland) and the Georgian.

[Anonymous]

I was taken on the Dixie Flagler overnight from Chattanooga, TN, to Daytona Beach, FL., at the age of three. I have vague memories of it and have been told that I enjoyed it immensely. Obviously I got locked into the hobby at that time and have been ever since. My favorite trains of all time will always be the Dixie Flagler(later re-equipped and re-named the Dixieland) and the Georgian.

[bfsfabs]

It was real simple, I was small, about 3 years old, the trains were there, my Dad's cousin gave me a ride in the cab. So it all began with a half mile cab ride in a steamer in 1936 in Santa Cruz CA. And YES, I can still remember it ! Mostly . . .

Just NEVER stopped.

[bfsfabs]

It was real simple, I was small, about 3 years old, the trains were there, my Dad's cousin gave me a ride in the cab. So it all began with a half mile cab ride in a steamer in 1936 in Santa Cruz CA. And YES, I can still remember it ! Mostly . . .

Just NEVER stopped.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for your replies, I guess for most of you, the stories run about the same as mine. It IS the greatest hobby in the world.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for your replies, I guess for most of you, the stories run about the same as mine. It IS the greatest hobby in the world.

[Chazmort]

Mookie,

No, it wasn't Alliance; that's on the BNSF. The UP main goes from Omaha west to Cheyenne, Wyo., paralleling the Platte River and Lodgepole Creek.

[Chazmort]

Mookie,

No, it wasn't Alliance; that's on the BNSF. The UP main goes from Omaha west to Cheyenne, Wyo., paralleling the Platte River and Lodgepole Creek.

[ironhorseman]

My love of railroads must've started when I was about 2 or 3. My grandpa would take me down to the M-K-T freight yard and we'd spend maybe an hour or two watching them makeup freight trains. We'd do this everytime we visited my dad's folks. Many years later we moved to a town on the Santa Fe main line which sees upwards of 60+ trains a day at high speed. This solidified my love of trains.

[ironhorseman]

My love of railroads must've started when I was about 2 or 3. My grandpa would take me down to the M-K-T freight yard and we'd spend maybe an hour or two watching them makeup freight trains. We'd do this everytime we visited my dad's folks. Many years later we moved to a town on the Santa Fe main line which sees upwards of 60+ trains a day at high speed. This solidified my love of trains.

[Yampa2003]

We went everywhere as kids by train, parents had no car. Steam trains were in their final days. It just grew from there.

[Yampa2003]

We went everywhere as kids by train, parents had no car. Steam trains were in their final days. It just grew from there.

[Anonymous]

Hi,
For me that is actually a rather hard question. I think I was already a railfan in the womb! I'm only 16 right now and I don't think there's ever been a time either me or my parents can remember me not loving trains. I actually think I knew what different types of frieght cars were called before I knew my ABC's. I'm a railfan, toy train collector and operator and am very interested in trains from all over the world (not just North America) from the past and present, so I do like to consider myself a dedicated train buff. If I can figure out how or why it all started I'll let you know! Have a great day!

[Anonymous]

Hi,
For me that is actually a rather hard question. I think I was already a railfan in the womb! I'm only 16 right now and I don't think there's ever been a time either me or my parents can remember me not loving trains. I actually think I knew what different types of frieght cars were called before I knew my ABC's. I'm a railfan, toy train collector and operator and am very interested in trains from all over the world (not just North America) from the past and present, so I do like to consider myself a dedicated train buff. If I can figure out how or why it all started I'll let you know! Have a great day!

[Anonymous]

When I got my first Lionel Train set (O Scale, 4-6-4 Steam) at age 6 in 1956. I still have it and it still runs as good as it did when I first got it (It still smokes also). For a lot of you old timers, it was purchased by my father at Sears when it was then called, Sears and Roebuck! It's been a love affair every since. I would love to have a basement full of O Gauge trains but I would have to be a part time millionaire to afford the kinds of engines and cars that I like, at today's prices.

Larry

[Anonymous]

When I got my first Lionel Train set (O Scale, 4-6-4 Steam) at age 6 in 1956. I still have it and it still runs as good as it did when I first got it (It still smokes also). For a lot of you old timers, it was purchased by my father at Sears when it was then called, Sears and Roebuck! It's been a love affair every since. I would love to have a basement full of O Gauge trains but I would have to be a part time millionaire to afford the kinds of engines and cars that I like, at today's prices.

Larry

[jamesedwbradley]

It was half Pavlovian - my dad commuted on New Haven's 'West End', Larchmont NY to GCT; we would take him to the 8:06 and pick him up from the 5:35 (trains were always referred to by the times). Sometimes he would take the 8:28 which was a one-stop train from Rye NY to Larchmont and direct to GCT; usually pulled by an EP-4 green streamlined electric with coaches not MUs, as I recall. At night, the trains' arrival was followed shortly by dinner at home, therefore the Pavlovian feature - food good, train means food, train good! Also Larchmont had no real industry and the 4-track NH main line was the biggest physical thing in town, with the trains slamming through in a blur at 60 mph; even the freights were pretty fast. So I was hooked for life. But when we moved to Johnsonburg, PA, at Age 11, I read about steam boiler pressures (Edw. Hungerford's 'Locomotives on Parade' was my first of many rail books) and so the steamers scared me. But the love of trains was already there.
James E. Bradley Hawk Mountain Chapter N.R.H.S.

[jamesedwbradley]

It was half Pavlovian - my dad commuted on New Haven's 'West End', Larchmont NY to GCT; we would take him to the 8:06 and pick him up from the 5:35 (trains were always referred to by the times). Sometimes he would take the 8:28 which was a one-stop train from Rye NY to Larchmont and direct to GCT; usually pulled by an EP-4 green streamlined electric with coaches not MUs, as I recall. At night, the trains' arrival was followed shortly by dinner at home, therefore the Pavlovian feature - food good, train means food, train good! Also Larchmont had no real industry and the 4-track NH main line was the biggest physical thing in town, with the trains slamming through in a blur at 60 mph; even the freights were pretty fast. So I was hooked for life. But when we moved to Johnsonburg, PA, at Age 11, I read about steam boiler pressures (Edw. Hungerford's 'Locomotives on Parade' was my first of many rail books) and so the steamers scared me. But the love of trains was already there.
James E. Bradley Hawk Mountain Chapter N.R.H.S.

[foamer4000]

My uncle would take me out to watch the GTW switch in Battle Creek, Mi. I loved to watch a single Gp-38 pulling a long string of 89 foot 8 door box cars! I could also catch a glimps of the yard when mom dropped dad off at work. My modeling interest started at three. Dad bought me a Santa Fe F-7. I spent hours running that motor at maximum speed.
David

[foamer4000]

My uncle would take me out to watch the GTW switch in Battle Creek, Mi. I loved to watch a single Gp-38 pulling a long string of 89 foot 8 door box cars! I could also catch a glimps of the yard when mom dropped dad off at work. My modeling interest started at three. Dad bought me a Santa Fe F-7. I spent hours running that motor at maximum speed.
David

[Modelcar]

....It didn't start with this experience, but one so vivid in memory for me is the small and unusual operation of the Ligonier Valley R R in Ligonier, Pa.....Switching yard and all, Even had a round house and for a small town a beautiful Passenger Station and it also housed the General Offices of the railroad. The station still is there and has just been taken over by the area schools for some sort of offices....It is a beautiful building of white colored stone with a Bush Shed...Still in place. Round house is still there too but it is a Catholic School...I believe. Railroad stopped running in late Summer of 1952....All this was just awesome for me to watch each Summer when I would visit my cousin. Great Memories...!

[Modelcar]

....It didn't start with this experience, but one so vivid in memory for me is the small and unusual operation of the Ligonier Valley R R in Ligonier, Pa.....Switching yard and all, Even had a round house and for a small town a beautiful Passenger Station and it also housed the General Offices of the railroad. The station still is there and has just been taken over by the area schools for some sort of offices....It is a beautiful building of white colored stone with a Bush Shed...Still in place. Round house is still there too but it is a Catholic School...I believe. Railroad stopped running in late Summer of 1952....All this was just awesome for me to watch each Summer when I would visit my cousin. Great Memories...!

[Anonymous]

I got it from my Dad. I gather this sort of thing runs in families. Funny thing is, he's not a railroader.

Anyhow, although I started riding the rails early (first cross country trip was when I was the ripe old age of 1) one of my favorite memories is hanging out with Dad on the Westport Station platform in Westport, CT during the early years of PC. We saw everything fron NYNH&H EP-4s to GG-1s, E8s, EF-4s, MUs and passenger cars from all over the country on the Amtraks. It was about 1972 as I recall.

LC

[Anonymous]

I got it from my Dad. I gather this sort of thing runs in families. Funny thing is, he's not a railroader.

Anyhow, although I started riding the rails early (first cross country trip was when I was the ripe old age of 1) one of my favorite memories is hanging out with Dad on the Westport Station platform in Westport, CT during the early years of PC. We saw everything fron NYNH&H EP-4s to GG-1s, E8s, EF-4s, MUs and passenger cars from all over the country on the Amtraks. It was about 1972 as I recall.

LC

[Anonymous]

Mmm.. the love generally sets in later, I would say, growing out of early childhood experiences, which themselves may have seemed quite inconsequential at the time!

In my case I can remember hiking through the Canadian woods in in Northern Ontario in winter, alone, near dusk, and unexpectedly coming across a rail line hemmed in by trees on both sides. I pause on the bank to take a break. Suddenly a low rumble, then a roar, a flash of silver, snow swilrling, and then, what a vision! --- through the glowing glass windows, ladies in evening dress and men in dinner jackets, white linen and flowers, waiters and barmen, then ---- it's gone; silence, snow and darkness again, the sound of a snowlark somewhere overhead.

Is it any wonder love grows out of such magic?

[Incidentally, it would have been 'The Canadian' bound for Sudbury and thence Toronto or Montreal, circa 1962]

[Anonymous]

Mmm.. the love generally sets in later, I would say, growing out of early childhood experiences, which themselves may have seemed quite inconsequential at the time!

In my case I can remember hiking through the Canadian woods in in Northern Ontario in winter, alone, near dusk, and unexpectedly coming across a rail line hemmed in by trees on both sides. I pause on the bank to take a break. Suddenly a low rumble, then a roar, a flash of silver, snow swilrling, and then, what a vision! --- through the glowing glass windows, ladies in evening dress and men in dinner jackets, white linen and flowers, waiters and barmen, then ---- it's gone; silence, snow and darkness again, the sound of a snowlark somewhere overhead.

Is it any wonder love grows out of such magic?

[Incidentally, it would have been 'The Canadian' bound for Sudbury and thence Toronto or Montreal, circa 1962]

[BentnoseWillie]

Easy. The eary 70's, going to visit my grandfather at work in the CN yard office in Stellarton, Nova Scotia.

I still love going into that building.

[BentnoseWillie]

Easy. The eary 70's, going to visit my grandfather at work in the CN yard office in Stellarton, Nova Scotia.

I still love going into that building.

[zardoz]

My parents told me that when I started learning how to to walk, the one thing that would motivate me was when the trains went past our backyard. They told me that I was watching trains before I was two years old! Heck, I probably strirred in the womb when the trains went by !!

[zardoz]

My parents told me that when I started learning how to to walk, the one thing that would motivate me was when the trains went past our backyard. They told me that I was watching trains before I was two years old! Heck, I probably strirred in the womb when the trains went by !!

[Anonymous]

when i was very young9-10 years old, the old L&N ran a coal train nearby my home.It was a daily train taking empty gondolas up to Buffalo and Kettle Island mines in the mornings a nd returning past in the afternoon.I had a friend that lived in the Buffalo camp,so,i hopped the train weekly,spent the day with my friend and hopped the return loaded cars back .The only bad thing was the black smoke from the engine ,but loved the smell and noise. Ah to be young again,with steam still around.

[Anonymous]

when i was very young9-10 years old, the old L&N ran a coal train nearby my home.It was a daily train taking empty gondolas up to Buffalo and Kettle Island mines in the mornings a nd returning past in the afternoon.I had a friend that lived in the Buffalo camp,so,i hopped the train weekly,spent the day with my friend and hopped the return loaded cars back .The only bad thing was the black smoke from the engine ,but loved the smell and noise. Ah to be young again,with steam still around.

[enr2099]

It all started when I was 5 years old, my parents took me for a trip on the E&N Railway Budd Cars. I was hooked ever since then. Even before that, I had been in love with trains, I used to live next to CN's Cowichan Sub and watch CN trains go by on the now abandoned Cowichan Subdivision when I was about 2 years old.

[enr2099]

It all started when I was 5 years old, my parents took me for a trip on the E&N Railway Budd Cars. I was hooked ever since then. Even before that, I had been in love with trains, I used to live next to CN's Cowichan Sub and watch CN trains go by on the now abandoned Cowichan Subdivision when I was about 2 years old.

[vsmith]

My grandparents lived in Los Angeles, three houses away from the SP line connecting the LA harbor with the Downtown yards . My Grandpa was an engineer for Santa Fe working a switcher engine. My older Brother got ridealongs but he was retired by the time I came along. The thing is, he got to ride the trains but never got involved in the hobby once. As a kid as long as I can remember, running out to the tracks from their house to watch the big diesels rumble by. This would be the 1960's. At the same time my Parents had friends whos kids were big into Lionel and had a huge setup that I could look at. We was po'folks so I didnt get my own trains until much later. Even then I could only dabeled in the hobby a couple of times HO, N, and HOn30 but couldnt do anything serious till we bought our own house a couple of years ago. Now its G in the garage and I'll still slow down a little to watch a passing train.

[vsmith]

My grandparents lived in Los Angeles, three houses away from the SP line connecting the LA harbor with the Downtown yards . My Grandpa was an engineer for Santa Fe working a switcher engine. My older Brother got ridealongs but he was retired by the time I came along. The thing is, he got to ride the trains but never got involved in the hobby once. As a kid as long as I can remember, running out to the tracks from their house to watch the big diesels rumble by. This would be the 1960's. At the same time my Parents had friends whos kids were big into Lionel and had a huge setup that I could look at. We was po'folks so I didnt get my own trains until much later. Even then I could only dabeled in the hobby a couple of times HO, N, and HOn30 but couldnt do anything serious till we bought our own house a couple of years ago. Now its G in the garage and I'll still slow down a little to watch a passing train.

[oltmannd]

Since before I can remember, my dad used to take me down to the train sta. on the Long Island RR many Saturdays to watch the trains. I think what cemented it for me was a trip from Long Island to Wash DC when I was 5 or 6 which included being in the old Penn Sta and a smooth, fast ride in a fairly new Budd coach behind a GG1. I even remember them adding/dropping some ratty P70s at Phila.

[oltmannd]

Since before I can remember, my dad used to take me down to the train sta. on the Long Island RR many Saturdays to watch the trains. I think what cemented it for me was a trip from Long Island to Wash DC when I was 5 or 6 which included being in the old Penn Sta and a smooth, fast ride in a fairly new Budd coach behind a GG1. I even remember them adding/dropping some ratty P70s at Phila.

[Kathi Kube]

Mine began with my first job after college (which I returned to after getting married and starting a family). I was hired by a trade magazine and began to learn about railroading from the industry perspective. There was (and still is!) so much to learn, but I loved talking to railroaders and other people involved in the industry, and learning about them and what they do. Three-and-a-half years later, I decided to leave that company, but I didn't want to give up my railroading contacts. So I waited patiently until TRAINS had an opening, and happily was hired here as associate editor in December. Now I still get to talk to people about this industry that fascinates me, and continue learning—this time from the enthusiasts' perspective. (Much more fun!) [:D]

Kathi

[Kathi Kube]

Mine began with my first job after college (which I returned to after getting married and starting a family). I was hired by a trade magazine and began to learn about railroading from the industry perspective. There was (and still is!) so much to learn, but I loved talking to railroaders and other people involved in the industry, and learning about them and what they do. Three-and-a-half years later, I decided to leave that company, but I didn't want to give up my railroading contacts. So I waited patiently until TRAINS had an opening, and happily was hired here as associate editor in December. Now I still get to talk to people about this industry that fascinates me, and continue learning—this time from the enthusiasts' perspective. (Much more fun!) [:D]

Kathi

[JoeKoh]

you work for trains and David didn't give you any stars?Welcome to the group.
stay safe
joe

[JoeKoh]

you work for trains and David didn't give you any stars?Welcome to the group.
stay safe
joe

[Anonymous]

My father worked for EMD as a millwright (pardon the spelling) in McCook, IL and every year we would go to EMD open house. Plus he bought me my first train set. This is was back in the early 70's. So I'm hooked.

Q in Sacto

[Anonymous]

My father worked for EMD as a millwright (pardon the spelling) in McCook, IL and every year we would go to EMD open house. Plus he bought me my first train set. This is was back in the early 70's. So I'm hooked.

Q in Sacto

[Mookie]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Kathi Kube

Mine began with my first job after college (which I returned to after getting married and starting a family). I was hired by a trade magazine and began to learn about railroading from the industry perspective. There was (and still is!) so much to learn, but I loved talking to railroaders and other people involved in the industry, and learning about them and what they do. Three-and-a-half years later, I decided to leave that company, but I didn't want to give up my railroading contacts. So I waited patiently until TRAINS had an opening, and happily was hired here as associate editor in December. Now I still get to talk to people about this industry that fascinates me, and continue learning#8212;this time from the enthusiasts' perspective. (Much more fun!) [:D]

Kathi

Kathi - I wondered why that name sounded familiar. Now I know why! Welcome!

Jen

[Mookie]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Kathi Kube

Mine began with my first job after college (which I returned to after getting married and starting a family). I was hired by a trade magazine and began to learn about railroading from the industry perspective. There was (and still is!) so much to learn, but I loved talking to railroaders and other people involved in the industry, and learning about them and what they do. Three-and-a-half years later, I decided to leave that company, but I didn't want to give up my railroading contacts. So I waited patiently until TRAINS had an opening, and happily was hired here as associate editor in December. Now I still get to talk to people about this industry that fascinates me, and continue learning#8212;this time from the enthusiasts' perspective. (Much more fun!) [:D]

Kathi

Kathi - I wondered why that name sounded familiar. Now I know why! Welcome!

Jen

[Kathi Kube]

Hey, thanks Jen and Joe!

I guess I'll have to chatter much more often to earn my stars. I've been wanting to comment on the thread about remotes, but that's our cover story for September so I want to wait until people have a chance to read it. (It'd be pretty silly for me to just repeat the whole thing here, wouldn't it?) So I'll wait.

In the meantime, I'm lovin' life here and looking forward to getting to know all of you better.

Kathi

[Kathi Kube]

Hey, thanks Jen and Joe!

I guess I'll have to chatter much more often to earn my stars. I've been wanting to comment on the thread about remotes, but that's our cover story for September so I want to wait until people have a chance to read it. (It'd be pretty silly for me to just repeat the whole thing here, wouldn't it?) So I'll wait.

In the meantime, I'm lovin' life here and looking forward to getting to know all of you better.

Kathi

[jsanchez]

I've been hooked since about two or three, my Dad took me for a ride on the Strasburg Railroad, in PA, I've been hooked on trains since then, that must of been about 1969, I still remember that day pretty clearly, the yellow coaches and steam loco's made a big impression. I remember around 1970 being really saddened when my father told me the Pennsylvania Railroad didn't exist anymore, it was the Penn Central. The Pennsy is still my favorite line to this day. I also was always fascinated with the Trolleys in Philadelphia since I can remember, I am thrilled the Girard avenue line is being brought back with restored PCC's!!!

[jsanchez]

I've been hooked since about two or three, my Dad took me for a ride on the Strasburg Railroad, in PA, I've been hooked on trains since then, that must of been about 1969, I still remember that day pretty clearly, the yellow coaches and steam loco's made a big impression. I remember around 1970 being really saddened when my father told me the Pennsylvania Railroad didn't exist anymore, it was the Penn Central. The Pennsy is still my favorite line to this day. I also was always fascinated with the Trolleys in Philadelphia since I can remember, I am thrilled the Girard avenue line is being brought back with restored PCC's!!!

[Philcal]

Had a wonderful Grandfather who worked in Freight Rates and Claims for the Pacific Electric.He was simply a big kid who loved trains and the guys who ran them. Growing up in Los Angeles in the 40's and 50's was Heaven for a kid who loved anything on rails,and there was plenty to choose from. The PE rail passenger system was still largely intact,with Hollywood cars running west on Hollywood Blvd,to Van Nuys and Watts. The "Blimps" held down Long Beach,San Pedro,and Bell Flower,and LA Rwy successor LATL ran a fleet of well maintained "H and K" series cars,as well as Huntington standards on the "V" line. Throw in the SP.UP,and Santa Fe,and a kid like me was in Heaven.

[Philcal]

Had a wonderful Grandfather who worked in Freight Rates and Claims for the Pacific Electric.He was simply a big kid who loved trains and the guys who ran them. Growing up in Los Angeles in the 40's and 50's was Heaven for a kid who loved anything on rails,and there was plenty to choose from. The PE rail passenger system was still largely intact,with Hollywood cars running west on Hollywood Blvd,to Van Nuys and Watts. The "Blimps" held down Long Beach,San Pedro,and Bell Flower,and LA Rwy successor LATL ran a fleet of well maintained "H and K" series cars,as well as Huntington standards on the "V" line. Throw in the SP.UP,and Santa Fe,and a kid like me was in Heaven.

[Anonymous]

It started when I was a kid, and had my first steam train engine. It was such an incredible sight, that I had to get more trains. Funny thing is, is that the steam train engines have been the most reliable trains, I have ever had. But I like to collect all types of trains, and tracks. The accesories are also wonderful.

David Reid

[Anonymous]

It started when I was a kid, and had my first steam train engine. It was such an incredible sight, that I had to get more trains. Funny thing is, is that the steam train engines have been the most reliable trains, I have ever had. But I like to collect all types of trains, and tracks. The accesories are also wonderful.

David Reid

[JoeKoh]

David
Welcome to the forum pages.Be careful its habit forming!!
stay safe
joe

[JoeKoh]

David
Welcome to the forum pages.Be careful its habit forming!!
stay safe
joe

[eolafan]

I grew up in the suburbs of New York City and remember hearing the Hanncock Air Whistles on the old NYC FL-9 units as they came through Bronxville station at night when we had the windows in our house open. Then I began commuting to Manhattan in the early 1970's and I bit on the proverbial hook. When my wife and I moved to Wausau Wisconsin in 1974 I began watching the trains of Milw.Road, CNW, Soo and GBW and I swallowed the hook all the way up to my gills, I have been a rabid foamer ever since. Now we live (for the second time) near the BNSF triple track "raceway" through the western burbs of Chicago and by now you know where you can usually find me in the nice weather (and usually in the not so nice weather)!

[eolafan]

I grew up in the suburbs of New York City and remember hearing the Hanncock Air Whistles on the old NYC FL-9 units as they came through Bronxville station at night when we had the windows in our house open. Then I began commuting to Manhattan in the early 1970's and I bit on the proverbial hook. When my wife and I moved to Wausau Wisconsin in 1974 I began watching the trains of Milw.Road, CNW, Soo and GBW and I swallowed the hook all the way up to my gills, I have been a rabid foamer ever since. Now we live (for the second time) near the BNSF triple track "raceway" through the western burbs of Chicago and by now you know where you can usually find me in the nice weather (and usually in the not so nice weather)!

[Anonymous]

My Father and I used to take the train(California Zephyr) to Ohio about every other summer to visit relatives who worked for the Nickel Plate Road and my grandparents house backed up to a very active yard in Dillonvale, Ohio. I am just not old enough to remember stream...wish I did.

[Anonymous]

My Father and I used to take the train(California Zephyr) to Ohio about every other summer to visit relatives who worked for the Nickel Plate Road and my grandparents house backed up to a very active yard in Dillonvale, Ohio. I am just not old enough to remember stream...wish I did.

[eolafan]

Lodich, you may want to see if you remember another train name that you may have taken to Ohio, as I believe the California Zephyr went from Chicago to CA but never stopped in Ohio, but perhaps you took the Zephr to Chicago and then transferred to another train at Chicago Union Station for the remainer of your trip to Ohio?

[eolafan]

Lodich, you may want to see if you remember another train name that you may have taken to Ohio, as I believe the California Zephyr went from Chicago to CA but never stopped in Ohio, but perhaps you took the Zephr to Chicago and then transferred to another train at Chicago Union Station for the remainer of your trip to Ohio?

[Anonymous]

I know of someone who's love for trains started after he knocked off his first boxcar. It was a boxcar full of beer. (Pabst Blue Ribbon) This someone hit it while the train was in the siding waiting for a clear signal. Back then beer sold for 99 cents a six pack. These persons would take it to the local High School and sell it for $2.50 a six pack. This person made Boo-Koo bucks. (Boxcars of wine was even a better profit margin). This person would walk around saying "I love railroads". I am sure this person has seen the light, and cleaned up his act. But he still loves trains!!
TIM A

[Anonymous]

I know of someone who's love for trains started after he knocked off his first boxcar. It was a boxcar full of beer. (Pabst Blue Ribbon) This someone hit it while the train was in the siding waiting for a clear signal. Back then beer sold for 99 cents a six pack. These persons would take it to the local High School and sell it for $2.50 a six pack. This person made Boo-Koo bucks. (Boxcars of wine was even a better profit margin). This person would walk around saying "I love railroads". I am sure this person has seen the light, and cleaned up his act. But he still loves trains!!
TIM A

[REDDYK]

I was a war baby(WW II). Mom or mom and dad hauled me across the country to denver and the west coast several times in my first two yrs. of life. Sadly, I don't remember any of this train travel, at least not on a concious level. I have wondered if my inability to pass up an opportunity to watch trains might somehow be traced to that early experience.
Then, many years later while accompanying the wife thru a succession of antique and junk shops in Rossville, Il a female sales clerk recognized the glazed look of boredom on my face, sensed an opportunity about to be lost, and suggested that I might want to visit the towns small RR museum. They had an assortment of old Trains magazines for sale ( 25 cents each, I think) Reading thru these later, I realized that it was all right to feel the way I do ,did, about trains. Until then I thought I must be wierd, now I know , well there is a big bunch of wierd folks out there. Thanks.

[REDDYK]

I was a war baby(WW II). Mom or mom and dad hauled me across the country to denver and the west coast several times in my first two yrs. of life. Sadly, I don't remember any of this train travel, at least not on a concious level. I have wondered if my inability to pass up an opportunity to watch trains might somehow be traced to that early experience.
Then, many years later while accompanying the wife thru a succession of antique and junk shops in Rossville, Il a female sales clerk recognized the glazed look of boredom on my face, sensed an opportunity about to be lost, and suggested that I might want to visit the towns small RR museum. They had an assortment of old Trains magazines for sale ( 25 cents each, I think) Reading thru these later, I realized that it was all right to feel the way I do ,did, about trains. Until then I thought I must be wierd, now I know , well there is a big bunch of wierd folks out there. Thanks.

[Trainnut484]

My father was an engineer on the Santa Fe's old Eastern Division (Kansas City to Emporia, KS)

[Trainnut484]

My father was an engineer on the Santa Fe's old Eastern Division (Kansas City to Emporia, KS)

[tsched]

Growing up on the Illinois Central in Mattoon, IL.. "Mainline of Mid-America"!! Uncle worked in the small switching yard and then in the passenger station selling tickets. New York Central (Big Four) passed through town too, with a yard on the east side of town. My dad and I would park along that yard and watch the black geeps idle and do switching. For my 12th birthday he took me on the Panama Limited to New Orleans.. big stuff for a kid. I got to witness the last-ever passenger train on the NYC (was Penn Central by then) come through town - one engine and one car. Conrail pulled up those tracks in '82... but the IC tracks (CN now) are still very busy! With the IC and NYC and another IC branch coming through town.. and an occasional ride on IC's passenger trains, how could I not become a railfan? I'm thankful for those memories.

[tsched]

Growing up on the Illinois Central in Mattoon, IL.. "Mainline of Mid-America"!! Uncle worked in the small switching yard and then in the passenger station selling tickets. New York Central (Big Four) passed through town too, with a yard on the east side of town. My dad and I would park along that yard and watch the black geeps idle and do switching. For my 12th birthday he took me on the Panama Limited to New Orleans.. big stuff for a kid. I got to witness the last-ever passenger train on the NYC (was Penn Central by then) come through town - one engine and one car. Conrail pulled up those tracks in '82... but the IC tracks (CN now) are still very busy! With the IC and NYC and another IC branch coming through town.. and an occasional ride on IC's passenger trains, how could I not become a railfan? I'm thankful for those memories.

[h42man]

I grew up in the 40's and 50's and we traveled quite often on the IC and Pennsy. We lived 2 blocks from the depot used by the NYC. When the trains left the depot and the Steamer's drivers started slipping, our whole house shook, the windows rattled, smoke shut out the sun and yet somehow it almost went unnoticed.
Now that I look back, my parents were train lovers and often bought train sets and accessories for Xmas and birthdays.
My father built me a tinplate layout in our basement. All the boys in my family near my age loved trains.
And I continue today

[h42man]

I grew up in the 40's and 50's and we traveled quite often on the IC and Pennsy. We lived 2 blocks from the depot used by the NYC. When the trains left the depot and the Steamer's drivers started slipping, our whole house shook, the windows rattled, smoke shut out the sun and yet somehow it almost went unnoticed.
Now that I look back, my parents were train lovers and often bought train sets and accessories for Xmas and birthdays.
My father built me a tinplate layout in our basement. All the boys in my family near my age loved trains.
And I continue today

[johncolley]

In '47 my stepdad was a 22 year conductor on S.P. After he died in May '48 we travelled on pass until I was 18. all up and down the west coast. For a lot of years I was an S.P. fan, but now I've retired in the northwest I model G.N. in HO.

[johncolley]

In '47 my stepdad was a 22 year conductor on S.P. After he died in May '48 we travelled on pass until I was 18. all up and down the west coast. For a lot of years I was an S.P. fan, but now I've retired in the northwest I model G.N. in HO.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Scottydog

For me, I guess, it was as a kid and we were leaving on the family vacation. It was during the steam era, after we were settled in the coach, my Dad would take me and my brother out on the platform and up to the head of the train to look at this monster hissing steam and letting out little groans. I guess railroads have always meant something good was about to happen. Maybe I sound corny but that's how I feel. How about you?

My parents used to take me to the railroad station in Brantford, Ontario, when I was a kid to see the big steam engines come lumbering in, stop, and after people & luggage got off and on, start up again heading either East or West. I've never forgotten the sounds, the smells and the earth vibrating as we could stand within 10 feet of the tracks. When I was older I used to ride the train between Brantford & Toronto every weekend while going to school in Toronto. Diesels had replaced steam by then of course. The station is still there and in use today. I should go back and see it again.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Scottydog

For me, I guess, it was as a kid and we were leaving on the family vacation. It was during the steam era, after we were settled in the coach, my Dad would take me and my brother out on the platform and up to the head of the train to look at this monster hissing steam and letting out little groans. I guess railroads have always meant something good was about to happen. Maybe I sound corny but that's how I feel. How about you?

My parents used to take me to the railroad station in Brantford, Ontario, when I was a kid to see the big steam engines come lumbering in, stop, and after people & luggage got off and on, start up again heading either East or West. I've never forgotten the sounds, the smells and the earth vibrating as we could stand within 10 feet of the tracks. When I was older I used to ride the train between Brantford & Toronto every weekend while going to school in Toronto. Diesels had replaced steam by then of course. The station is still there and in use today. I should go back and see it again.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Mookie

QUOTE: Originally posted by Chazmort

When I was only 3 or so, we would take the MBTA subways across the Boston area. I only remember being on the Orange and Blue lines. Then, in Michigan, we lived across a vacant lot from the Ann Arbor RR, long before it became the TSBY. My Dad was from Wyoming and my Mom from Nebraska. Both grew up in towns right on the UP line. A few years ago I visited that town in Nebraska and was awake much of the night listening to freights blow through town. It was great.

Going to take a stab at this an ask if it was Alliance NE?

Mook

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Mookie

QUOTE: Originally posted by Chazmort

When I was only 3 or so, we would take the MBTA subways across the Boston area. I only remember being on the Orange and Blue lines. Then, in Michigan, we lived across a vacant lot from the Ann Arbor RR, long before it became the TSBY. My Dad was from Wyoming and my Mom from Nebraska. Both grew up in towns right on the UP line. A few years ago I visited that town in Nebraska and was awake much of the night listening to freights blow through town. It was great.

Going to take a stab at this an ask if it was Alliance NE?

Mook

[Anonymous]

When I was three or four we moved next to the UP tracks in Hastings,NE. Steam was still present but those yellow diesels were making appearances at an ever increasing rate. CB&Q and Missouri Pacific also were here. My grandparents ran a railroad hotel called the Big Four where railroad crews would layover. What the fourth railroad was I don't know for sure but think it was CNW. Later we moved to quite a few different states but the most memorable was moving to Fargo, ND on a very cold January day in 1965. We were headed north on Broadway and the crossing gates came down. Soon the Empire Builder rolled to a stop right in front of us. That cold, fridgid air and the steam from the generators and that orange and green paint scheme just grabbed ahold of me. Little did I know how little time there would be to enjoy that color scheme but will never forget that image!

[Anonymous]

When I was three or four we moved next to the UP tracks in Hastings,NE. Steam was still present but those yellow diesels were making appearances at an ever increasing rate. CB&Q and Missouri Pacific also were here. My grandparents ran a railroad hotel called the Big Four where railroad crews would layover. What the fourth railroad was I don't know for sure but think it was CNW. Later we moved to quite a few different states but the most memorable was moving to Fargo, ND on a very cold January day in 1965. We were headed north on Broadway and the crossing gates came down. Soon the Empire Builder rolled to a stop right in front of us. That cold, fridgid air and the steam from the generators and that orange and green paint scheme just grabbed ahold of me. Little did I know how little time there would be to enjoy that color scheme but will never forget that image!

[Anonymous]

I grew up in Philadelphia just a few blocks from both the Pennsy and the Reading and not too far from the B&O. Also there were streetcars in front of our house. So there was pleanty of action to keep a kid interested. And when we would go to visit relatives upstate we would travel on "The King Coal" to Shamokin. Seeing all of the passing coal trains, and the huge yards full of hoppers at Pottstown, Reading, St. Nickolas, Locust Summit, and Shamokin was fascinating.

[Anonymous]

I grew up in Philadelphia just a few blocks from both the Pennsy and the Reading and not too far from the B&O. Also there were streetcars in front of our house. So there was pleanty of action to keep a kid interested. And when we would go to visit relatives upstate we would travel on "The King Coal" to Shamokin. Seeing all of the passing coal trains, and the huge yards full of hoppers at Pottstown, Reading, St. Nickolas, Locust Summit, and Shamokin was fascinating.

[Hakuhatsu]

I think I can count myself as one of the "whombers," as I, too, don't know how my love of trains started. My hometown of Preston, MN was on the old Southern Minnesota and Iowa Division of the Milwaukee Road (Reno, MN to Isinours, MN). I was born in December of 1976 but unfortunately the tracks were torn up three or four months before. My parents both taught at the elementary school (which has since moved to a new building next to the middle school) which was close to the tracks, so I probably was exposed to trains via the whomb, listening to the SW-1s idling at the depot or enginehouse.

I've been a train nut ever since then. I ride/watch them whenever I can. I took the trains everywhere when I was living/studying in Japan and also took the Empire Builder to commute home for the hollidays when I was going to the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. I'm also starting a new HO scale layout so I can do some psudo train watching in the comfort of my own home.

- Hakuhatsu

[Hakuhatsu]

I think I can count myself as one of the "whombers," as I, too, don't know how my love of trains started. My hometown of Preston, MN was on the old Southern Minnesota and Iowa Division of the Milwaukee Road (Reno, MN to Isinours, MN). I was born in December of 1976 but unfortunately the tracks were torn up three or four months before. My parents both taught at the elementary school (which has since moved to a new building next to the middle school) which was close to the tracks, so I probably was exposed to trains via the whomb, listening to the SW-1s idling at the depot or enginehouse.

I've been a train nut ever since then. I ride/watch them whenever I can. I took the trains everywhere when I was living/studying in Japan and also took the Empire Builder to commute home for the hollidays when I was going to the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. I'm also starting a new HO scale layout so I can do some psudo train watching in the comfort of my own home.

- Hakuhatsu

[Anonymous]

Trackside in the fifties, Larchmont NY watching the New Haven evening rush hour parade while we waited for my Dad's MU to arrive from Manhattan.

[Anonymous]

Trackside in the fifties, Larchmont NY watching the New Haven evening rush hour parade while we waited for my Dad's MU to arrive from Manhattan.

[Anonymous]

My love for trains stated at A very young age. I grew up not to far from the tracks so every time I heard A train coming into town there I was ( AT A SAFE DISTANCE OFCOURSE) even today when my son (12) and I see or hear A train there we are[:D]

[Anonymous]

My love for trains stated at A very young age. I grew up not to far from the tracks so every time I heard A train coming into town there I was ( AT A SAFE DISTANCE OFCOURSE) even today when my son (12) and I see or hear A train there we are[:D]

[Anonymous]

it was probably about 2 or 3 for me two. My dad and my brothers would stop at porter junction in indiana on our way to our grandparents house. we would camp out in our minivan, all five of us to watch the endless parade of conrail piggybacks. i will never forget my conrail

[Anonymous]

it was probably about 2 or 3 for me two. My dad and my brothers would stop at porter junction in indiana on our way to our grandparents house. we would camp out in our minivan, all five of us to watch the endless parade of conrail piggybacks. i will never forget my conrail

[corwinda]

I don't know. The first memories I have (from age 2 or3) were from train trips to visit an Aunt in Spokane WA (from Eugene OR.)

[corwinda]

I don't know. The first memories I have (from age 2 or3) were from train trips to visit an Aunt in Spokane WA (from Eugene OR.)

[Anonymous]

I guess my love of Railroads and Railroading started back in the '70's when I was a little kid. My grandpa was a railroadman and so were a lot of my relatives so I'd say that I've got railroad blood in me.

[Anonymous]

I guess my love of Railroads and Railroading started back in the '70's when I was a little kid. My grandpa was a railroadman and so were a lot of my relatives so I'd say that I've got railroad blood in me.

[AltonFan]

I'm not exactly sure when the bug bit, but it must have been very early on.

When I was two or three, my Dad used to take me out for walks, and one place I remember was a playground next to an elevated Milwaukee Road line in Chicago. I would ride on the see-saw and watch trains go by. I also remember passing a gray wooden building, I think it had a Milwaukee Road sign on it. I remember there being tracks behind and alongside the structure. The last time I was in the old neighborhood, the tracks were gone, the buidling had new siding and was a city recycling center. (This structure is located near an intersection with Fullerton in Chicago, but I don't believe it's actually on Fullerton.)

I had train toys from very early on. Got my first Lionel when I was about five or six. A liitle later I had an American Flyer set with a plastic layout. I graduated to HO, had a Life-Like styrofoam layout. Eventually moved on to N and built a 2'x4' layout when I was in high school.

When I was in high school I read Don Ball's America's Colorful Railroads and fell in love with the Gulf Mobile and Ohio. From there I developed a fascination with the Alton. During one summer I read a most of Lucius Beebe's books as well as The Mohawk That Refused to Abdicate. About this time I got interested in steam power.

Once the bug bites, it never goes away. It may lie dormant for a while, but it never goes away.

[AltonFan]

I'm not exactly sure when the bug bit, but it must have been very early on.

When I was two or three, my Dad used to take me out for walks, and one place I remember was a playground next to an elevated Milwaukee Road line in Chicago. I would ride on the see-saw and watch trains go by. I also remember passing a gray wooden building, I think it had a Milwaukee Road sign on it. I remember there being tracks behind and alongside the structure. The last time I was in the old neighborhood, the tracks were gone, the buidling had new siding and was a city recycling center. (This structure is located near an intersection with Fullerton in Chicago, but I don't believe it's actually on Fullerton.)

I had train toys from very early on. Got my first Lionel when I was about five or six. A liitle later I had an American Flyer set with a plastic layout. I graduated to HO, had a Life-Like styrofoam layout. Eventually moved on to N and built a 2'x4' layout when I was in high school.

When I was in high school I read Don Ball's America's Colorful Railroads and fell in love with the Gulf Mobile and Ohio. From there I developed a fascination with the Alton. During one summer I read a most of Lucius Beebe's books as well as The Mohawk That Refused to Abdicate. About this time I got interested in steam power.

Once the bug bites, it never goes away. It may lie dormant for a while, but it never goes away.

[Anonymous]

Dad was a CP operator in North Bay (Ontario). I remember visiting him at work in the 70s when I was young, and seeing the switcher shuffle cars around the yard. Now everything, except for the station is gone. I guess nostalgia is at the root of my interest in railways.

[Anonymous]

Dad was a CP operator in North Bay (Ontario). I remember visiting him at work in the 70s when I was young, and seeing the switcher shuffle cars around the yard. Now everything, except for the station is gone. I guess nostalgia is at the root of my interest in railways.

[slotracer]

On several occasions, several stories..........
As a real little one my family used to go to a place south of Buffalo NY on the lake erie shoreline called the lakeview inn, after dinner my grandfather would take me outside while he smoked his pipe and we would watch the trains of teh NYC, NKP and PRR that ran on both sides of teh place. He took me toa neat hobby store that at one time was famous in Buffalo....spoonley the trainman which operated out of a basement on Choate ave in South Buffalo to get my first lionel set.
He passed away and no one else had any interset so my attention to trains dwindled. In Nov 1967 BOYS LIFE had an article on model trains with a picture of a neat layou in the centerspread and I got hooked again. Was pretty active through high school with models and my prototype interset gave way to historical society involvement when Conrail took my interest in much of any railfanning atthat point.
Once I got a house with a good basement I started back into modeling in 1990, and built or started 3 different pikes because of moves. Actually started to take pictures again in Colorado as teh SP was going to be gone and I had easy access to Tennessee pass every weekend. With the merger, I lost prototype interest and stopped taking pictures all together, even sold teh 35mm's this time. I grew tired of moving and restarting pikes and the glut of equipment, and really got a distaste for railroads after working for Uncle Pete, and besides the thing that really motivated me.....the old northeastern lines in the green allegany foothills and Buffalo's congested rail system were a very distant memory so I got out.
I can't say the bug has bitten again, I happened into these forums due to a spurred curiousity when I heard the V&O was no more and again when I heard teh Kinzua bridge collapsed.
When the kids move to other things in a few years when they are old enough to drive a car and attend school sports, I will likely find running slot cars alone pretty boring so I could see me building another pike and getting into it again, but who knows. Today's railroads I do not find inspiring or motivating what so ever....but who knows.....

[slotracer]

On several occasions, several stories..........
As a real little one my family used to go to a place south of Buffalo NY on the lake erie shoreline called the lakeview inn, after dinner my grandfather would take me outside while he smoked his pipe and we would watch the trains of teh NYC, NKP and PRR that ran on both sides of teh place. He took me toa neat hobby store that at one time was famous in Buffalo....spoonley the trainman which operated out of a basement on Choate ave in South Buffalo to get my first lionel set.
He passed away and no one else had any interset so my attention to trains dwindled. In Nov 1967 BOYS LIFE had an article on model trains with a picture of a neat layou in the centerspread and I got hooked again. Was pretty active through high school with models and my prototype interset gave way to historical society involvement when Conrail took my interest in much of any railfanning atthat point.
Once I got a house with a good basement I started back into modeling in 1990, and built or started 3 different pikes because of moves. Actually started to take pictures again in Colorado as teh SP was going to be gone and I had easy access to Tennessee pass every weekend. With the merger, I lost prototype interest and stopped taking pictures all together, even sold teh 35mm's this time. I grew tired of moving and restarting pikes and the glut of equipment, and really got a distaste for railroads after working for Uncle Pete, and besides the thing that really motivated me.....the old northeastern lines in the green allegany foothills and Buffalo's congested rail system were a very distant memory so I got out.
I can't say the bug has bitten again, I happened into these forums due to a spurred curiousity when I heard the V&O was no more and again when I heard teh Kinzua bridge collapsed.
When the kids move to other things in a few years when they are old enough to drive a car and attend school sports, I will likely find running slot cars alone pretty boring so I could see me building another pike and getting into it again, but who knows. Today's railroads I do not find inspiring or motivating what so ever....but who knows.....

[UpNorthBob]

My family never worked for the railroad, and never travelled by train during my lifetime, but when my mother worked at the dime store in Rochester, MI in the early 1950's, my Grandfather would take me for a walk every day. It was about three blocks down to the NYC station to see either the late morning BD-2 freight or the mid afternoon Beeliner. I became a steadfast NYC "man", despite the fact that on the other side of town, the GTW was still running steam. My parents and grandparents all said that they were going to let me ride the Beeliner up to Lake Orion or Lapeer and back "some day." Unfortunately, that "some day" never came. For years the only train ride I took (other than at the Detroit Zoo) was a ride in a rail motor car from the Rochester depot to main street - about 200 yards. I've never ridden that many trains - a couple Algoma Central trips and and Amtrak from Jackson to Chicago, but my love of trains has remained strong. My only regret is that I wasted my high school years chasing girls instead of buying a good camera and photographing those things that are now gone. Every time I catch that wonderful aroma of creosote on a hot summer day, my mind goes back to the Rochester of my youth.

[UpNorthBob]

My family never worked for the railroad, and never travelled by train during my lifetime, but when my mother worked at the dime store in Rochester, MI in the early 1950's, my Grandfather would take me for a walk every day. It was about three blocks down to the NYC station to see either the late morning BD-2 freight or the mid afternoon Beeliner. I became a steadfast NYC "man", despite the fact that on the other side of town, the GTW was still running steam. My parents and grandparents all said that they were going to let me ride the Beeliner up to Lake Orion or Lapeer and back "some day." Unfortunately, that "some day" never came. For years the only train ride I took (other than at the Detroit Zoo) was a ride in a rail motor car from the Rochester depot to main street - about 200 yards. I've never ridden that many trains - a couple Algoma Central trips and and Amtrak from Jackson to Chicago, but my love of trains has remained strong. My only regret is that I wasted my high school years chasing girls instead of buying a good camera and photographing those things that are now gone. Every time I catch that wonderful aroma of creosote on a hot summer day, my mind goes back to the Rochester of my youth.