12" Scale Steam Locomotive "Kit"

At Steamtown, we walked through the shop area and found a 12" scale steam loco kit, complete with the instruction sheet!

Steamtown Railfest 2011

John and I drove up to Steamtown on Saturday for Railfest.  The event was celebrating the 25th anniversary of Steamtown and the 40th anniversary of Amtrak.  It was great!  In addition to Steamtown's permanent displays, Amtrak brought in a P40 Genesis pulling a cafe car, 2 baggage cars and a sleeper.  These housed a "museum" of the history of Amtrak.  They also brought an F40PH pulling a business/inspection car.

But, the best part was watching the excursion trains in action:  Canadian National #3254 Mikado, Nickel Plate #514 GP9, and a pair of Lackawanna F3s.  At one moment, we stood in awe as we watched all 4 engines criss-cross in front of us.  Here is the Mikado:

Back to the 1950s

My friend John and I were talking about how we wished the passenger trains of the 50s were still running. I would love a ride on the Santa Fe Super Chief.   So, he bought me a ticket.  A REAL ticket from the 50s.

Next time I am in Chicago or LA, I'll be waiting on the platform in my suit and fedora, smoking a cigar, tipping my hat, and saying "Morning, ma'am." Then I will get arrested for loitering, public smoking, and sexual harassment.

I miss the 50s.