Pennsylvania Caboose

Who doesn't miss the caboose? And not just because of the story The Little Red Caboose, but for all kids that are fascinated with trains. My generation will be the last one that got to see them on a consistent basis (based on their decline in the 1980s). Fortunately, old school rail roads and locals still use them; so not quite gone, nor quite forgotten. 

Gallitzen Pennsylvania Railroad Tunnels

We had family that grew up not far from these tunnels in Gallitzin, Pennsylvania. Consequently, we were regaled with stories of the these tunnels importance, especially during World War II when the rail line was crucial to linking industries in the mid-west to ports in the east. They went so far as to say that the Germans had plans to knock the tunnels out by landing agents from a submarine. Luckily, they were caught before they could do the deed. The tunnel on the left is no closed, and the tunnel on the right was widened to allow two tracks. We used to love running down to the bridge when we heard a train coming so we could see them go in/out of the tunnels. 

Little Red Train Engine

This is more likely the best way to introduce young ones to the ways of railroading. Call me domesticated, but going a round a small park in a little passenger train at about 5 mph is a pretty good time. Mall trains have come a long that they now go around entire malls, however, nothing beats the outdoors and actual track. For as much as like it, I don't think I could cut leaving in a train heavy society. After reading Captains Courageous, it took them something like 57 hours to go from LA to Boston (totally botching the cities, BTW). Then again, if you had money and could have your own car, including dining car, then maybe it was better than flying. Don't forget, I am still holding out hope for teleportation someday.

Freight Train

Kids love trains. What better way to introduce them to trains then to take them within feet of a moving freight train? Well, this isn't Thomas the Tank Engine kiddies, this is real life. And our kid was scared many years ago, to the point that even now, she prefers to hang in the car while we go train watching. I almost did the same thing with the ocean and the same kid when a wave knocked her down on her first steps into the sea. Please send parent of the year nominations to...

Lionel O-gauge Train Engine

I don't know much about Lionel trains except I once sent one flying off the ping-pong table where we had laid track and it took 20 years for my brother to fix it. However, from what I have seen on this place called the internet, this Sante Fe engine might be rare and not very valuable. 

Green Train Locomotive

Tough to explain to a toddler that you missed the last train ride of the day even though it is right in front of you and the locals get to ride it back to the storage facility. I like to think that she was too scared anyway.