Gregory tells how, as a 14 year old, watching freight trains lead to his interest in model railroading. Here is his story:

In the early 1950’s we used to chase and watch the huge consolidations of the Southern Pacific haul freight trains up the Cascades in Western Oregon. It took four (4) 4-8-8-2’s in each of the freight trains of more than 100 cars to pull the huge load up the grade and over the Cascades to eastern Oregon. Unbelieveable power.

What a thrill and site to see them come home, four giant engines, three dead heading engines behind a bearly working lead engine. Then the next day we would hike across the fields to get to the round house to walk around and inspect these huge behemoths.

What an eye opener for a 14 year old train buff. Some forty years later I was able to see that same locomotive in inch and half scale run under live steam with my live steam locomotive. My guess is that that scale locomotive was 12 to 14 feet long. Impressive to say the least.

Share this...

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

Linkedin

email