In the course of human achievements there have been many truly advancing inventions forged by talented and brilliant folks. Obviously computers, atomic fusion, and airplanes come to my mind immediately. However, one invention that had far-reaching ramifications, good and bad depending on one’s perspective, considering the time frame when it was first developed, the late 1700s, was the steam engine. This eventually morphed into a steam locomotive, among other implementations, and the future of discovery and settlement of America was cast…
(Apparently Just Amtrak's) 2010 National Train Day at Los Angeles Union Station
May 8, 2010, a date that I eargerly anticipated, had finally arrived! It was National Train Day (for 2010) and I was off to the festivities and fun to be had at the event held at Union Station in downtown Los Angeles.
This was going to be my first National Train Day event and I was excited as a kid at Christmas about the possibilities that someone who loves all things rail might encounter at an event such as this. After making sure I had all my requisite gear safely secured in or on my backpack, I headed off to the Upland Metrolink station to catch a westbound commuter that would deliver me directly to Union Station in just under one hour’s time…
In the Ballast with the Santa Fe 3751 at Los Angeles Union Station
Continuing my coverage of the San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society’s former Santa Fe 3751 steam locomotive’s departure from Los Angeles Union Station en route to San Bernardino, California with an excursion train as part of the San Bernardino Railroad Days and Bicentennial Celebration, I have moved my vantage point into the ballast area at the end of the platform…
Truckee Railroad Museum Grand Opening
Most appropriately so a new railroad museum is having its grand opening on National Train Day, May 8, 2010.
The Truckee Railroad Museum will be opening it’s doors in a town which played an important role in the transcontinental railroad and remains steeped in railroad tradition and lore to this day. So much so, in fact, that I am a little surprised that there is not already a museum in Truckee…
You've Seen Yesterday, Now See the Future
You may have seen the numerous videos and coverage of Union Pacific’s legendary steam locomotive, UP No. 844 which is currently on duty leading the Valley Eagle Heritage Tour train or perhaps you are one of the lucky ones who saw her firsthand, either track side or on display during the tour. Maybe even you have fond childhood memories of the steam behemoths roaming the country during the days of yesteryear. If you have then you will agree that it is truly a sight to behold. What amazing machines steam engines are.
Now On May 8, 2010, you can see the newest in railroad motive-power technology, the Generator-Set (or Genset) switcher which is Union Pacific’s latest environmentally friendly design to join its fleet…