What was your favorite trains moment?

[Trainnut484]

What was your favorite train moment? Either watching at trackside, or at a train show. What made the moment so great? This one of mine isn't my all time favorite, but one that I remember most.

It was March of 1976, Emporia, Ks, and I was almost five years old. The American Freedom Train was coming through and I wanted to see it. The town had the main street crossing blocked to vehicle traffic because SP 4449 was to take on water there, and the crossing made it easy for the fire department to supply the water.

Mom took a couple of pictures( I still have one of them) when the AFT came in and stopped. It was the first time I saw a live steam engine, and fell to the ground in fright when the engineer blew the whistle. I never heard a steam whisle before.

Fast forward to September of 1992. It's Labor Day weekend, and UP's Challenger and Santa Fe 3751 were the main attractions at the Topeka, Ks RR days. That provided the festival's largest crowd in it's history.

I was taking pictures of the Challenger when I saw a little boy, six or maybe seven years old, standing a few feet in front of me just staring at the engine with awe. A blast of 3985's whistle made the boy cringe in fear. His father was behind him, and as he picked his son up, told me that that was his very first encounter with a steam engine.

My mind went back to March of 1976[:)].

[Trainnut484]

What was your favorite train moment? Either watching at trackside, or at a train show. What made the moment so great? This one of mine isn't my all time favorite, but one that I remember most.

It was March of 1976, Emporia, Ks, and I was almost five years old. The American Freedom Train was coming through and I wanted to see it. The town had the main street crossing blocked to vehicle traffic because SP 4449 was to take on water there, and the crossing made it easy for the fire department to supply the water.

Mom took a couple of pictures( I still have one of them) when the AFT came in and stopped. It was the first time I saw a live steam engine, and fell to the ground in fright when the engineer blew the whistle. I never heard a steam whisle before.

Fast forward to September of 1992. It's Labor Day weekend, and UP's Challenger and Santa Fe 3751 were the main attractions at the Topeka, Ks RR days. That provided the festival's largest crowd in it's history.

I was taking pictures of the Challenger when I saw a little boy, six or maybe seven years old, standing a few feet in front of me just staring at the engine with awe. A blast of 3985's whistle made the boy cringe in fear. His father was behind him, and as he picked his son up, told me that that was his very first encounter with a steam engine.

My mind went back to March of 1976[:)].

[eolafan]

Oh, there are so very many, but one that comes to mind is about four years ago when a buch of us were fanning at the BNSF Eola yard and out of nowhere came a general merchandise freight with no less than 12 units up front going west like a bat out of hell. We knew from the scanners that it was going up the C&I subdivision and so we thought we could easily chase it. Boy were we wrong. We hopped in our cars and chased it as far as Rochelle and then it got away from us...he MUST have been exceeding the posted speed limit, easy to do with all of that power!

[eolafan]

Oh, there are so very many, but one that comes to mind is about four years ago when a buch of us were fanning at the BNSF Eola yard and out of nowhere came a general merchandise freight with no less than 12 units up front going west like a bat out of hell. We knew from the scanners that it was going up the C&I subdivision and so we thought we could easily chase it. Boy were we wrong. We hopped in our cars and chased it as far as Rochelle and then it got away from us...he MUST have been exceeding the posted speed limit, easy to do with all of that power!

[Anonymous]

I think my fav was one night at work , one of the SP TEBU's came in at the tale end of a consist. The only problem was it wasn't wired up to a loco. other than that the sparky that I was working with said it was in tact all it needed was a mother unit so it could work. it was #1606. The same one thats in the Diesel spotters guide[:D]

[Anonymous]

I think my fav was one night at work , one of the SP TEBU's came in at the tale end of a consist. The only problem was it wasn't wired up to a loco. other than that the sparky that I was working with said it was in tact all it needed was a mother unit so it could work. it was #1606. The same one thats in the Diesel spotters guide[:D]

[Anonymous]

I moved to Chattanooga Tn in the late 80's when NS's steam program was going full tilt.It got to be a yearly habit to chase the Autum Leaf Special from Chattanooga to Onieda one year and ride it the next.Power was normaly the 4501 and a couple of GP-40's.Normaly the 4501 needed the diesels at full throttle on the hills,and so i thought steam was ok,but had nothing in the way of muscle compared to the diesles.I drove to Dayton the morning 611 handled this train expecting to see her with the usual helper set of diesles.When she pulled out Dayton by herself with the train i figured she would stop in Spring City to pick up her helpers.I drove on ahead and set up on an abandoned highway overpass to get pictures of the train pulling the stiff upgrade that passed under it.What i witnessed that day convinced me to forever worship at the alter of steam.HERE CAME THE J!!!!!!!!! With a heavy 22 car excursion train on her drawbar this bullet nosed beast topped the grade at an easy 25 mph.When she rolled over the top the fireman let her pops lift and it was like the engine was saying what the H,this is what i do.I love all aspects of railroading but that single moment will stand out in my mind forever as the greatest ever.They say some railfan events border on a religous experience,i nominate this as mine.

[Anonymous]

I moved to Chattanooga Tn in the late 80's when NS's steam program was going full tilt.It got to be a yearly habit to chase the Autum Leaf Special from Chattanooga to Onieda one year and ride it the next.Power was normaly the 4501 and a couple of GP-40's.Normaly the 4501 needed the diesels at full throttle on the hills,and so i thought steam was ok,but had nothing in the way of muscle compared to the diesles.I drove to Dayton the morning 611 handled this train expecting to see her with the usual helper set of diesles.When she pulled out Dayton by herself with the train i figured she would stop in Spring City to pick up her helpers.I drove on ahead and set up on an abandoned highway overpass to get pictures of the train pulling the stiff upgrade that passed under it.What i witnessed that day convinced me to forever worship at the alter of steam.HERE CAME THE J!!!!!!!!! With a heavy 22 car excursion train on her drawbar this bullet nosed beast topped the grade at an easy 25 mph.When she rolled over the top the fireman let her pops lift and it was like the engine was saying what the H,this is what i do.I love all aspects of railroading but that single moment will stand out in my mind forever as the greatest ever.They say some railfan events border on a religous experience,i nominate this as mine.

[Anonymous]

When I was growing up in Illinois, My Dad rode the chicago and northwestern everday back and forth to work in the city. Being a railfan, I seldom missed a morning or evening. Anyone who knows of the cnw operations back then, knows the normal power was a single E unit on longer commuter trains and a single F unit on 3-5 car trains. The train my Dad rode was always over 10 cars and I always waited to see what unit was pushing the bi-levels. It was always one E-unit. But on one morning, I was quite surprised to see the train was being pushed by 3 F-units..2 F-7B's and an F-7A. THE GROUND SHOOK LIKE THE END OF THE WORLD WAS AT HAND. it was great and a moment I will never forget. There have been many moments, but that one was the best for a young aspiring railfan. Wish I'd have had a video of that.

[Anonymous]

When I was growing up in Illinois, My Dad rode the chicago and northwestern everday back and forth to work in the city. Being a railfan, I seldom missed a morning or evening. Anyone who knows of the cnw operations back then, knows the normal power was a single E unit on longer commuter trains and a single F unit on 3-5 car trains. The train my Dad rode was always over 10 cars and I always waited to see what unit was pushing the bi-levels. It was always one E-unit. But on one morning, I was quite surprised to see the train was being pushed by 3 F-units..2 F-7B's and an F-7A. THE GROUND SHOOK LIKE THE END OF THE WORLD WAS AT HAND. it was great and a moment I will never forget. There have been many moments, but that one was the best for a young aspiring railfan. Wish I'd have had a video of that.

[Willy2]

My Favorite moment was a few years ago when I saw UP Challenger 3985. It was the first time that I had seen a steam locomotive. Since then I have seen a couple more.

Willy

[Willy2]

My Favorite moment was a few years ago when I saw UP Challenger 3985. It was the first time that I had seen a steam locomotive. Since then I have seen a couple more.

Willy

[JoeKoh]

Watching the J-611 run her paces.That beauty and power cannot be matched.
stay safe
joe

[JoeKoh]

Watching the J-611 run her paces.That beauty and power cannot be matched.
stay safe
joe

[Anonymous]

Best moments railfanning?
Chasing the Frisco 1522 through central Wisconsin and meeting and chatting with W.C. President Ed Burkhardt on the Van Dyne overpass.
The day CNW 1385 came to town, and finding out a childhood friend was fireman, and gave me a tour of the cab.[^]

Best moments at a train show?
Meeting some of the Model Railroader staff at an NMRA meet.
My picture of the WC on Byron Hill in the snow sweeping the photo contest at a NMRA meet of our local division.[8D]

[Anonymous]

Best moments railfanning?
Chasing the Frisco 1522 through central Wisconsin and meeting and chatting with W.C. President Ed Burkhardt on the Van Dyne overpass.
The day CNW 1385 came to town, and finding out a childhood friend was fireman, and gave me a tour of the cab.[^]

Best moments at a train show?
Meeting some of the Model Railroader staff at an NMRA meet.
My picture of the WC on Byron Hill in the snow sweeping the photo contest at a NMRA meet of our local division.[8D]

[Trainnut484]

I have another railfanning moment..well moments.

It was fanning with friends who passed on to the big depot in the sky. They made sitting at trackside memorable for the stories they told during lull periods in train traffic, called when a new locomotive or car or something out of the ordinary was going to come through, and even when the usual trains came though. The gag gifts they gave you on your birthday. Exchanged pictures with you, and knew what locomotives you liked or didn't like. Friends who sat with you at trackside till your "eyeballs fell out." You're sadened with the way your friend's relatives, who don't know anything about train memorabilia, sort through and throw out or sell the collections after the funeral.

Of course you'll meet new friends to fan with, but it won't be the same as with your old friends.

Am I sentimental? Yes. Especially when I'm sitting alone at trackside and remember a joke, or see an old friend's favorite locomotive roll by.

[Trainnut484]

I have another railfanning moment..well moments.

It was fanning with friends who passed on to the big depot in the sky. They made sitting at trackside memorable for the stories they told during lull periods in train traffic, called when a new locomotive or car or something out of the ordinary was going to come through, and even when the usual trains came though. The gag gifts they gave you on your birthday. Exchanged pictures with you, and knew what locomotives you liked or didn't like. Friends who sat with you at trackside till your "eyeballs fell out." You're sadened with the way your friend's relatives, who don't know anything about train memorabilia, sort through and throw out or sell the collections after the funeral.

Of course you'll meet new friends to fan with, but it won't be the same as with your old friends.

Am I sentimental? Yes. Especially when I'm sitting alone at trackside and remember a joke, or see an old friend's favorite locomotive roll by.

[therailnut]

I have had few. I saw 1522 flip at the wye in West Quincy, Missouri before returning to St Louis and then saw again here in Galesburg for railroad days. that was couple of years back.

The getting to see the Vommitbonnet in West Quincy sit in siding for couple days while the plant it was bound for was closed. Needless to it was the perfect photo oppurtunity.

Standing beside track side and hearing diesel lashup takeoff from a dead stand still the growl of the motors really get to ya! I like someone thumping a loud stereo with bass next you!

[therailnut]

I have had few. I saw 1522 flip at the wye in West Quincy, Missouri before returning to St Louis and then saw again here in Galesburg for railroad days. that was couple of years back.

The getting to see the Vommitbonnet in West Quincy sit in siding for couple days while the plant it was bound for was closed. Needless to it was the perfect photo oppurtunity.

Standing beside track side and hearing diesel lashup takeoff from a dead stand still the growl of the motors really get to ya! I like someone thumping a loud stereo with bass next you!

[Anonymous]

Wathcing an old CN swither lcoomotive pass by.. realizing i didn't have my Camera!!

Joe i love the signature... gave me a good laugh...

AND you mr. Trainnut484.. the santa fe is NOT DEAD!!! NOOOO!!

[Anonymous]

Wathcing an old CN swither lcoomotive pass by.. realizing i didn't have my Camera!!

Joe i love the signature... gave me a good laugh...

AND you mr. Trainnut484.. the santa fe is NOT DEAD!!! NOOOO!!

[Anonymous]

I have many, many, many but I wanted to point out that I can share Barbarosa's memories of J-class on steam engine excursions in Chattanooga, being a native fo Chattanooga(now living in Atlanta).

Some favorite memories stem from childhood. I rode the Dixie Flagler at age 3,my first train trip, and I vaguely remember it. SO.....it was good to see the Flagler again at age 6 or 7 to better visualize it.
Some others: first time to walk into a dome(Panama Limited, during station stop in Memphis--I was not a passenger, just on the platform observing), first meal in UP dome diner(steak dinner), first Superliner Deluxe Bedroom(Sunset Limited), first VIewliner (Crescent). These just a few.

[Anonymous]

I have many, many, many but I wanted to point out that I can share Barbarosa's memories of J-class on steam engine excursions in Chattanooga, being a native fo Chattanooga(now living in Atlanta).

Some favorite memories stem from childhood. I rode the Dixie Flagler at age 3,my first train trip, and I vaguely remember it. SO.....it was good to see the Flagler again at age 6 or 7 to better visualize it.
Some others: first time to walk into a dome(Panama Limited, during station stop in Memphis--I was not a passenger, just on the platform observing), first meal in UP dome diner(steak dinner), first Superliner Deluxe Bedroom(Sunset Limited), first VIewliner (Crescent). These just a few.

[Trainnut484]

QUOTE: Originally posted by kevinstheRRman


AND you mr. Trainnut484.. the santa fe is NOT DEAD!!! NOOOO!!

The old Santa Fe lives on in spirit. True indeed, no more new power painted in the mighty warbonnet, but the spirit rolls on [8D][^]

[Trainnut484]

QUOTE: Originally posted by kevinstheRRman


AND you mr. Trainnut484.. the santa fe is NOT DEAD!!! NOOOO!!

The old Santa Fe lives on in spirit. True indeed, no more new power painted in the mighty warbonnet, but the spirit rolls on [8D][^]

[enr2099]

My very favorite trains moment was when I was about 8, we went hiking up along the E&N's Port Alberni Subdivision(won't do this now, as I know better), got out on a bridge near Cameron Lake, and we hear a horn in the distance, we move off to the side of the bridge(on one of the platforms where they keep fire barrels) and a westbound E&N freight came by with 4 GP38's and about 60 cars. Longest train I've ever seen. The entire bridge shook as it went by at a whole 15 MPH. Really gave a sense of the emmense size and weight of the train.

[enr2099]

My very favorite trains moment was when I was about 8, we went hiking up along the E&N's Port Alberni Subdivision(won't do this now, as I know better), got out on a bridge near Cameron Lake, and we hear a horn in the distance, we move off to the side of the bridge(on one of the platforms where they keep fire barrels) and a westbound E&N freight came by with 4 GP38's and about 60 cars. Longest train I've ever seen. The entire bridge shook as it went by at a whole 15 MPH. Really gave a sense of the emmense size and weight of the train.

[enr2099]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Trainnut484

QUOTE: Originally posted by kevinstheRRman


AND you mr. Trainnut484.. the santa fe is NOT DEAD!!! NOOOO!!

The old Santa Fe lives on in spirit. True indeed, no more new power painted in the mighty warbonnet, but the spirit rolls on [8D][^]

Of course it does...it's the "SF" in BNSF.

[enr2099]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Trainnut484

QUOTE: Originally posted by kevinstheRRman


AND you mr. Trainnut484.. the santa fe is NOT DEAD!!! NOOOO!!

The old Santa Fe lives on in spirit. True indeed, no more new power painted in the mighty warbonnet, but the spirit rolls on [8D][^]

Of course it does...it's the "SF" in BNSF.