No sons, just daughters, but the middle one wants to be a engineer, or a vet, not sure which. But I welcome all fans, as long as you ask first, most railroaders will be happy to help you out, note most of the crews still wave, and the engineer will blow the horn if you ask. Like joe and matt say, Look, Listen and Live.
Enjoy your new hobby, hope it becomes a passion.
Stay Frosty,
Ed
amen ed!
joe
My Dad got me interested in trains during the 1950’s. My parents had six kids, so to get some of us out of the house, Dad took us to the IC station in Rockford IL on Sunday mornings. I still remember the lineup: The westbound Iowan, the eastbound Rath meat train from Waterloo IA, and finally, the eastbound Land O’ Corn. We also took summer vacations to Rock Lake WI where our cottage just happened to back up to the CNW. Those experiences hooked me for lfe! Dad’s still going strong at 90, and on occasion I take him train watching at the Rochelle IL RR park.
John W. Baie, author, www.xlibris.com/TwoTrackMain.html
The only thing i can add to the post is dont ever think you know what is going on. that you know where the trains are and how to be around the tracks. there are men out here that get hurt and killed everyday , that work for the railroad over 30 years and you think they would know. The main thing is that if crews see you where you are not allowed to be they get uneasy. then you get reported. Just save yourself some problems and let the crews get to know you by staying away from harm then you will get the benifits of a toot of the horn and in my case a tour of the engine. and if there is time a ride. otherwise if yo break the trust of a railroader you wont get anything but trouble. We are good people and there is enough to watch for add one over zelous railfan and things can get out of hand.