We have a friend who has several grandchildren and wanted to take them somewhere this fall. At our suggestion, they went to the Pumpkin Trolley event. Last week we got an absolutely glowing account of how much fun they all had, with emphasis on how kind and efficient the crews and other staff were. They might be back for Santa and will no doubt be just as happy.

The takeaway? Take note of holiday events at other museums/railroads/etc. If you know somebody who is looking for a fun event in their area, whether or not the venue is one you’re involved with, suggest it. If we all do that, admissions should go up everywhere.

Two weekends ago I was asked to use my former professional skills to be a conductor for the Northeastern Ohio Live Steamers Halloween event. Happy to do it, I know a lot of people in the hobby, some for more than 50 years. I was totally impressed with the professionalism this entirely volunteer effort displayed. In about three hours on Friday evening they put just shy of 1200 people through the railroad, with drinks and snacks available for those waiting in line, then had a display train set up with lighting for parents to take photos of their kids on it after they got off the actual riding trains and free candy for them by the donation box as they left. They did it again for four hours on Saturday and handled another 1300 people. By all accounts the public had a good time. So it's not just the big trains that might give a family a good time.

Big or little, steam, diesel or electric, they’re trains! Those kids will remember. When they’re teens, it might seem they’ve forgotten, but they haven’t really.

Thirty years or so ago, a railroad volunteer at a museum was exceptionally kind to us once they realized how much we understood.
Earlier this month, he made a long trip to get back there on his own (and had a great time.)
He remembers.
He’s 34.
Never think any kindness to visitors is wasted.

And this applies to all people in all situations. Not trying to reshape the world, but kindness usually works. If it doesn't you tried, and took the higher road. Regards, John.