BJORK@SU-SCORE.ARPA (Steven Bjork) (01/08/86)
...as the type of people I've seen chasing it! As a matter of fact, I was out with my camera when 4449 went past; I was jumping up and down and shouting just as much as the rest. The big problem I've had is the awesome, profound ignorance most `steam freaks' seem to exhibit when it comes to contemporary railroads. Oh well--let's not kick a dead horse... --Steve -------
roma@uiucuxc.CSO.UIUC.EDU (01/15/86)
> ... The big problem I've had > is the awesome, profound ignorance most `steam freaks' seem to exhibit > when it comes to contemporary railroads. Oh well--let's not kick a > dead horse... I never thought I'd ever be the least bit interested in steam engines. (After all, I thought, they all look so much alike and besides, they're nothing more than dirty old tea kettles rendered obsolete by the diesel.) I spent much of my teen-age years chasing the colorful first-generation diesels that were then still plentiful around Chicago. Well, a lot has happened since those days. For one thing, most of the older diesels are gone -- replaced by F40PH's or Geeps -- neither of which I find particularly attractive. Secondly, the many mergers, service cutbacks, and line abandonments mean fewer places to see trains, fewer trains, and less variety. Everything looks so ALIKE these days! So, I found myself hurting for stimulating railfan activities. (Railfanning can be depressing at times!) At that time, the only steam I'd ever experienced was the little dinky engines puffing around railroad museums. To say the least, I was never impressed. One day, a friend called and asked me if I felt like going to Roanoke to chase Norfolk & Western's 611 on one of her first trips. (This was back in 1983.) I said I'd go -- why not, it would be something different. I'm sure glad I did. It was a very tiring but exhiliarating experience.
roma@uiucuxc.CSO.UIUC.EDU (01/15/86)
[Sorry, the previous note was messed up by system flakiness. I'll pick up
where I was cut off.]
To me, the steam engine has to be one of the most fascinating machines ever
built. It's hard to find words to describe -- so I won't. I still enjoy
watching 'modern' trains, but nothing comes close to the sheer strength
and beauty of the steam engine.
Jon Roma
Computing Services Office, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
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