I remember in the dome lounge of the San Joaquin Daylight in 1961,meeting a group of Girl Scouts on their way to Yosemite.They appeard to be enjoying themselves.I’m sure your group will have a great time,wherever you go.[:)]
While never an Eagle Scout, I did earn the Railroad merit badge…Justin, ask your leader about working for that and see what it leads you to.
Justin, I am a former Eagle Scout and I also earned the Railroading Merit Badge.
Part of the requirement for that merit badge (at that time) was to plan and take a railroad trip of more than 50 miles…utilizing timetables…determining fares etc.
One of the first things you (Justin) need to do, after determining where you would like to travel is to utilize sither the Amtrak web site or getting a current version of the Amtrak timetable. If there is an Amtrak station in your town with an open ticket window you can get one there.
In either case, use the timetable…find the train that goes to the area that you wish to visit, and then PLAN!
Remember…planning is everything! Try to do as much of this yourself as you can. If you get stumped…ask your Scoutmaster or your parents for guidance.
Let us know how you make out.
Good luck!
In connection with Murray’s post above, your scoutmaster should have a list of merit badge counselors in your area–hopefully there’s one or more who can guide you through the requirements of the Railroading badge (I can’t imagine a guy as interested in trains as you are not wanting to get that badge!). Back in my day, the optionally-required trip had a minimum length of 25 miles, which just happened to be within the entire length of the passenger route through town. You had to plan a longer trip, obtaining timetables, etc.–no problem for me, since I had a collection of them–so I decided I would plan a trip from Grand Haven to Altoona via Chicago.
Justin, it is possible to find the place to order an Amtrak timetable from the Amtrak website. It took me a little while to find just the place, so I now have that particular link saved. You should be able to navigate the site until you come to it. In the process, you may learn more information that Amtrak provides for the first-time rail traveler (and some it can even be useful to those who have traveled several times).
Johnny
Hello all.
I haven’t forgot about you I just haven’t been able to get on line latley, been putting in a shower latley that = fun (carcasum). Any way I do have an Amtrak timetable. I picked one up while rail-fanning at Laffayette IN. We will probably get on at Laffayette. Does Amteak have any restrictiond on how mutch baggage you can carry? We would probably have to have a lot. (carcasum), Amtrak might need an extera P42 for our baggage![:)] Anyway I will try to look int oi some more if I get the time or I will just have to make time. Thank’s all.
Justin:
Let us know of your progress
PL
You bet I will! I will keep adding info as I get it. Wish me luck!!! I got the next installment in the ultamate RRing DVD series today. It’s on the UP Moffat sub/divison. The town of Granby is the town we would have to get off at if we wanted to go to Rocky Mtn. Ntl. park. Pitafull loking town. I won’t judge it yet though.
This Amtrak trip for the Boy Scouts digs up memories…62 years ago I was a Scout, just a 2nd class and a Patrol Leader. Troop 146.
And in my opinion anyone who achieves Eagle Scout rank makes a very respectful achievement.
Justin,
As an Eagle Scout from the class of 1997, Troop 603 (lots of us Eagles on here!) I can tell you that a Philmont trip takes at least a year of prep to pull off right. Not only from a financial standpoint, but logistics and physical stamina. Lots of hills to climb and important skills to master.
You should aim high in terms of planning and prep for this. Look at it as practice for organizing, planning, and executing your Eagle Scout Project. Lots of good adivce on destinations has been given so I won’t rehash what was said. Narrow it to 2 or 3 spots that might also be family friendly. From personal experience (WVA, SD, WY, NM, MO) with trips of this magnitude some families from your troop might want to accompany you.
Best wishes and feel free to email me with other questions.
I was Cub &Boy Scout and I remember it as being fun. I took a ribbing from other kids at times for the uniform,but that is life. Good Luck!
Justin:
We who have traveled the rugged road look forward to hearing of your journey in the comming times. May high adventure be only a prelude of greater things to come.
Feel free as well to e-mail me as well, If I cannot answer a question, I am sure one of your future brothers will be happy to assist.
Roy