In this season where we remind ourselves yet again of a church, and Virginia, I would remind the Scrooges -- whomever and wherever they be -- of a different Church, and a different Virginia:

"They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds.. .here would be no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence..."

This one night of the year, we can spend a few minutes reflecting on the joy of that season, and to remember that, in safe and warm quarters, a locomotive like the one you hear is safe, forever, and 'gives to our life the highest beauty and joy'.

To save you from looking up the link on previous posts, here's the link.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbzAJoW34DM

Phil Mulligan

Hello,

My vote is to keep this thread alive…..please.

After have a very brief privilege of being at the throttle of the 603’s sister, it is difficult to understand the world of the chosen few who lived with and drove these monsters routinely. Another work day…..hmmm. Makes you wonder if the engineer of the 603 had reflections on this moment when, in a few short years, steam was swept from routine operations forever.

Thank you to the VMT and SRR for sharing the 611 experience with us, the unwashed, and keeping her alive!

Merry Christmas to you all, have some precious quiet moments amidst a world becoming more chaotic by the day.

Sincerely

Randy

Stroke of Midnight EST

Merry Christmas!

The 2023 bump, late for "Christmas Eve" but in time for the actual anniversary.