More recommended reading

[Al Brough]

I Have found an invaluable wealth of information in a monthly published eMag for free

http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/

[Mike from CT]

Must read if you're interested in the 1950s transition period: Classic Trains Special2013 - Trains of the 1950s.  Very interesting stuff for all those who missed out because they were too young or didn't live in NA. I sure would have liked to go cross-country on the Empire Builder.

I did two summers ago - when the Canadians decided to flood Minot, North Dakota, washing away the station platform (and, less importantly, half of Minot) and closing down Empire Builder service for a month and almost screwing up my vacation.  (They did manage to make Amtrak skip one of the cigarette stops - the most unforgivable sin of all).

I suspect the original was more elegant than Amtrak's version, but it's still a great trip (as is the California Zephyr.  The Sunset Limited, less so). I still have to try the Southwest Chief - only semi-transcontinental US train I haven't ridden.  And then there's The Canadian and the various Rocky Mountaineer routes, still to try.  Perhaps by 2016 (Next summer is England and Scotland and limited, if any, train trips - my family tolerates but doesn't share my passion.

[BritsTukker]

Next summer is England and Scotland and limited, if any, train trips - my family tolerates but doesn't share my passion.

Sacrilege! You can't come all the way across the pond and miss out on all that steam heritage!
Many of your younger family members have probably never seen a steam train up close and personal. Don't let them miss it - it'll change their view of your hobby (hopefully for the better).
Some ideas:
England.
National Railway Museum, York: http://www.nrm.org.uk/
Ribblehead Viaduct: http://www.settle-carlisle.co.uk/
North York Moors Railway: http://www.nymr.co.uk/
Severn Valley Railway: http://www.svr.co.uk/
Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway (narrow guage): http://www.rhdr.org.uk/
Watercress Line: http://www.watercressline.co.uk/

Wales
Welsh Highland Railway (narrow gauge): http://www.festrail.co.uk/
Tallyllyn Railway (narrow guage): http://www.talyllyn.co.uk/
Llangollen Railway: http://www.llangollen-railway.co.uk/page.php?id=1

Scotland
West Highland Railway: http://www.scotlandrailways.com/scenicrail/the-west-highland-line
   http://www.scotrail.co.uk/content/west-highland-line-voted-top-rail-journey-world.html

and there's plenty more!

[Mike from CT]

Actually, I've dragged everyone who wasn't exceptionally stubborn to the Essex Steam Railroad, which is only about 20 miles from me.  It's a short, out and back trip that takes perhaps 45 minutes.

I do have my eyes on a similar run outside of Edinburgh.

I don't know who my kids' real father is, but he can't be me....

[RhB_HJ]

Interested in West Virginia (the Almost Heaven State)? Lots of good stuff in the August 2013 issue of TRAINS magazine!

[Jeff]

If anyone is interested, I bought the "''official" tourist railroad trip guide a couple years ago. It may not be up to date, but I doubt if all that much has changed. I can look up your geographical target and let you know if there's anything at all in the area.

[Jeff]

P.s. Mike, if no-one else wants to go, email me. I'll be there in under 16 hours. I'd love to see my old friends...

[Mike from CT]

P.s. Mike, if no-one else wants to go, email me. I'll be there in under 16 hours. I'd love to see my old friends...

They've been sold on "The Harry Potter TRain (Scottish West Highlands Ft. William to Mallaig and back under steam) and stopping in York (one daughter wants to see York Minster and the other thinks my granddaughter will love the Viking museum and the trains - and with a bit of luck, climbing Clifford's tower will drain some of her energy).

I'll take my victories where I can get them....

[Jeff]

The last time I saw the Flying Scotsman t looked like an immense pile of human bodies with a spec of light green paint showing through here and there. Or so it seemed at the time :-) . The annoying part was not being able to get any pictures of the entire engine.

I keep wanting to go on vacation, but there are so many things stacked up against it. For instance, I would need to buy a real camera of SME kind. That would eat up $1000 without trying hard. And then there's trying to get past airport security with a stainless steel plate in my ankle. However, if I had the camera system, I'd consider swimming...

[Mike from CT]

The last time I saw the Flying Scotsman t looked like an immense pile of human bodies with a spec of light green paint showing through here and there. Or so it seemed at the time :-) . The annoying part was not being able to get any pictures of the entire engine.
<snip>

Right now, apparently, she's in bits and pieces.  Probably much smaller crowds, but not nearly as splendid.

[Jeff]

That's sad news :*(

[Mike from CT]

That's sad news :*(

Sad for folks seeking to visit her in the near future, but it's happy news - she's in the midst of being repaired and restored.  The restoration ran way, way over budget and they called in some professionals to estimate how much more money they need and to help them with contractors.  She'll be back in all her glory - just not in time for me to see her...

[Jeff]

Just makes me happier that I got to see the engine under steam before it needed restoration. I was given the chance to see a great deal of English steam in daily service, even though it was on its way out. It left me lots of fond memories.

[RhB_HJ]

Browsing through the WP&YR books I picked up last week.

WOW, one of them is really super (US$9.95)  "The White Pass and Yukon Route - A Pictorial History" By Stan Cohen, ISBN 0-933126-08-5
Perfect for layout and roster planning.

[Mike from CT]

Browsing through the WP&YR books I picked up last week.

WOW, one of them is really super (US$9.95)  "The White Pass and Yukon Route - A Pictorial History" By Stan Cohen, ISBN 0-933126-08-5
Perfect for layout and roster planning.

You giving up on the RhB and going American?


I remember riding the YP&R and I remember one part that looked a lot like I imagine you yard - nothing but rocks all over the place....