Just a quick note to mull:

I had the distinguished honor of escorting two retired PRR engineers around the Age of Steam Roundhouse site today. Joe Galino, a WWII Marine veteran who hired out in 1941, and his colleague Ed Ford spent a little time taking in the site today. Both were engineers and later division superintendents on the Pennsy. AOSR Chief Mechanical Officer Tim Sposato was kind enough to meet us for a quick walk around on his day off.

As we walked around the roundhouse and between the engines, I suddenly saw the 90 year old Joe quickly climb up into the cab of one of the locomotives. A bit concerned about his safety, I followed him up. I stepped into the cab to see Joe looking around, turn to me, and say "yep, feels like home." He couldn't hide the smile on his face.

Afterward, lunch in Sugarcreek was accompanied by plenty of stories and tip or two about how things were done. Needless to say, I didn't do much of the talking.

It was a very humbling experience to be able to make two old railroaders' day.

Please forgive my musings, but I suppose my point is let's be sure we're listening while the old heads are still here to talk to us.

*Disclaimer: I in no way speak for Age of Steam, LLC as I am only a volunteer. The roundhouse site is still very much a construction project, is not open to the public and is not available for tours at this time.

http://www.ageofsteamroundhouse.com

I've often thought that the human aspect of railroading is one of the more overlooked facets of railroad preservation. The machines and equipment are what remain, but it was the men behind them that gave them their magic.

I spent untold hours with the last of the old-timers of the Carolina & North-Western Railway- men sometimes 60 years my senior. When the last one passed away his wife told me that he loved me like a son, that I was one of the only people he could relate to and re-live his memories with. Knowing them all was the honor and privledge of a lifetime, and I miss them all terribly.

Enjoy the moment you had at the AOSR today- it will last you the rest of your life.

Matt Bumgarner

That's why railfanning is fun. Besides, having people to mentor you in a sense on railroading is always good. Being able to have those memories is more important than anything, and it makes being involved with a volunteer group wholly worth it.

Who was railfanning?

Wish I'd have taken some pictures, now that I think about it...

How is the construction coming along? I haven't heard of any updates lately.

If you go over to the AOSR site, there are a couple of new photo albums up and you can sign up for the mailing list.
And as for getting to talk to old heads in a real roundhouse...I am green with envy.
Is the Swiss Hat still open in Sugarcreek? We were thinking of going up that way while my better half was on vacation, but didn't. I do so miss the days of going up there, catching a trip to Baltic, having lunch at the Hat and going home with a fresh copy of The Budget.