An Introduction to "Train Chasing"

Yesterday, my husband decided that today was the perfect opportunity to enjoy a "vacation" day, and he asked me if I'd be interested in traveling north to witness the debut of a steam engine train.  I didn't hesitate to agree, especially when an invitation to lunch at a unique restaurant was mentioned as part of the deal.  After all, would you pass on that type of an offer?

My husband has always enjoyed watching trains, but seems to have developed a keen interest as of late, after he met someone who has a passion for heading out in search of steam trains and photographing them.  So, when he learned of today's debut train,  leaving Port Clinton  and traveling to Tamaqua, pulling no less than 100 cars (I know...I counted them), he couldn't resist making the trip to witness the event.  And, of course, he needed someone to share that excitement with him. I can't say that I was the best choice in regards to exhilaration involving trains, but I did try to at least muster up some oohs and ahhs along the way.  

We could see the smoke from the train as we drove through Port Clinton, where we witnessed dozens of people who had pulled their vehicles onto the side of the road and set up tripods in anticipation of the event. 

Marty decided to mark our "spot" on a road in New Ringold that runs parallel to the tracks. And we soon found ourselves joined by others who were there for the same reason. 

As we sat in the car, waiting for the special event, I took in the surroundings.

As you can see, not much happening here,  unless you are a fan of watching trucks repeatedly attempt to maneuver a tight curve, over and over again.

The highlight of the intersection was this entertaining sign:

Marty was eager to take our photo in front of it.

As we continued to wait, he began chatting with a young man, who looked to be in his early 20's, who had left his home near Morristown, NJ at 5:00 am, to travel to New Ringold to stake out his spot.   This is when I learned that there are quite a number of people out there who call themselves "Train Chasers", who apparently do this regularly as a past time.  I don't know about you, but I can assure you that the call of a steam train would NOT be enough incentive to get me out of bed at that hour of the morning!  Although we did head out at 8:45 am, at the request of my husband, because we wouldn't want to miss anything. And, guess what?  We had plenty of time to enjoy the surroundings while we waited, as I have highlighted for you already. 

Finally, the big moment arrived and we could hear the chug chug of the engine and the screaming of the whistle before it rounded the bend in our direction.  And, then it came into view:

As I mentioned, it was a VERY LONG train, and it took some time to pass by.

And then, what would be a steam engine train without a little red caboose to complete the excitement?

I watched the Train Chasers jump in there cars and zoom out on the road, in an attempt to get to the next crossing before the train, so that they could do it all over again.  Luckily for me, my husband wasn't one of them.  Whew!

We headed to Tamaqua, to a restaurant that had been the original train station, located right along the track.

We sat outside and enjoyed a fabulous lunch!

Marty had supposed that the train would be coming by as part of the journey, but the steam engine had been replaced with a standard engine that pulled the 100 cars by, minus the caboose. 

 It then backed up in the direction from whence it came, more than likely to attach the cars to the steam engine and the caboose for the return trip to Port Clinton.  There had been quite a number of people hanging around the station, in anticipation of seeing the steam engine, only to be disappointed that it never traveled that far. 

But, no worries....I've been told that the Reading and Northern Steam Crew repeats the testing journey next weekend, so those who missed it this time, can travel just a bit further down the road to enjoy the experience.  

Sorry, I don't have any of the details should you be interested. You'll have to find one of those "Train Chasers" if you are interested in the details.  Or comment on the blog, and I'm certain that someone whom I live with knows just how to get that information.

Until next time.....