What is it about trains that sparks the imagination?

[Cuban_Liberal]

We live right on the edge of town, and the Illinois Central's main north-south line runs about 300 yards behind our house. We can see the 'Illini', the 'City of New Orleans', freight trains, etc., all day and night. Why is it that watching those trains go by can set my mind to daydreaming about other times, places and people like no airplane or bus can?

This happen to anyone else?

:)

[crispini]

1. Oh, yes. I love trains.

There's a train track less than half a mile from my house. They come through at about 10pm, about 2 am, and again about 8 am. The train is a big, comforting presence in the neighborhood. Sort of like an elephant in the jungle -- sensed, more than seen. And when I hear them go by, I think of faraway places.

Even though they're all freight trains and probably not going anywhere interesting at all. :P

[Cuban_Liberal]

2. I think they have a beauty that planes and buses don't.

I like your elephant analogy--- large and powerful, yet non-threatening.

:)

[skygazer]

3. Oh, absolutely

The sound of a train whistle can bring tears to my eyes. Even songs about trains - "City of New Orleans" comes to mind as does "Folsom Prison Blues" - make me feel like that.

I get that way somewhat in airports or watching jets fly overhead but trains are somehow more elemental. You can see where you're going on a train and hear the clackety-clack of the wheels on the track. They evoke travel in an earlier, simpler time and they have the romance of that in them. I love trains, and train tracks and all that goes along with them. You're so lucky to live where you can see and hear them.

[Quixote1818]

4. I don't know but I feel the same way. I have been following the new

train system they will be putting in Albuquerque this fall and eventually up to Santa Fe. I check the website all the time. Cant wait to ride it for from Belen all the way through Albuquerque to Bernalillo. Eventually it will go on to Santa Fe. Here is the website: http://www.mrcog-nm.gov/commuter_rail.htm

My Grandpa worked for the Southern Pacific Railroad through the depression and his house was filled with model railroads. He would also build his own railroad cars and trains out of wood and cans. As a kid visiting it was like Disneyland.

[Historic NY]

5. I live near the old West Shore NY Central on the Hudson River....

the trains roll along all day and night. I love to hear the toots on the horns and hear the clickty clack as the trucks hit the rails. You can hear it on a cool night for miles. I think its relaxing and it brings back the time of travel, when it was an adventure not a necessity. It was like exploring a new frontier or destination.
Today CSX runs the line along the Hudson (West Shore) and Metro North & Amtrak on the (East Shore) so its always a treat to go down and see the long lines of freights moving and passengers zipping along. One of the best places is up on Storm King Mt along the old highway spectacular views.

Wait.....I hear a freight in the distance.

[6000eliot]

6. Three words: Steel wheels, Baby!

[Rabrrrrrr]

7. Happens to me!

Trains signify travel and long distance, but the kind of travel in which the travelling itself is fun and adventurous - dining cars, watching the scenery, stops in other towns before your destination. Unlike plane travel, which is just pragmatic as well as cramped and uncomfortable, or car travel, which involves paying attention and being cramped up in a small space all alone (or with just your passengers, unlike a train, in which you might dine with someone you don't know, and certainly will always be passing people you don't know).

Trains are communal. And they're big, majestic, and elegant.

They are also tied inexplicably to the 1800s American westward movement, and I think there will always be that little bit of emotional residue of going into the far beyond, the open country, the space in which people remade themselves, tied in with trains.

[bigwillq]

8. I like to be the car stopped right in front

of the tracks just as a train is coming by! :hi:
It's exciting just to be parked there watching this monster whizz by.

[AndyTiedye]

9. Enjoy The Trains While You Can.

Boosh**'s budget essentially shuts down Amtrak.

[Name removed]

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