Steve tells of his days watching a steam locomotive pass under a bridge just a few feet away:

I remember back in 1950 or so living on Gates Ave in Jersey City and at the foot of my street was an iron truss roadway bridge leading to the Lehigh Valley rail yards on the waterfront.

The Central Railroad to the Jersey Shore ran its line under that bridge. I used to stop on the section of walkway over the southbound track and watch the CNJ camelbacks pulling out of the Danforth Ave station about 1/2 mile north. As they would approach, we boys would hold on tight to the bridge while the engineer blew the HELL out of his whistle and great clouds of black smoke poured out the stack!! I was really scared the first time I did that as the bridge was only a few feet above the smoke stack!! And it had a wooden deck with large spaces between the boards. Well after going through that black tornado I’d walk the 1/2 block home and my mom would chastise me for smelling so bad with coal smoke!! I told her I just “Happened” to be there when the Locomotive was passing under!

Sadly both my MOM and the bridge are gone but not the memories!!!

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.

Jim has sent in this amusing story from his childhood days in Scotland:

My parents and I where on our way to a day out at Saltcoats a seaside resort on the west coast of Scotland when my Dad decided he needed to go to the bathroom (after a few beers in the central station bar) well as there was no toilets on a steam train he decided to nip off at Kilmarnock to use the stations toilet and as the train was pulling out of the station I caught the sight of my dad running along the platform (he never caught up with it) and to make matters worse he had all the train tickets in his jacket pocket so me and mum had to sit on a bench in salcoats station as I think the ticket collector must have thought we were a pair of fare dodgers until dad came through on the next loco from Kilmarnock well as it was everything turned out o.k. as we had left home early enough and had a great day out including the famous Scottish high fish tea (fish and chips with a cup of tea and two slices of scottish plain bread). Well thats it. regards Jim

Kobus has sent in his memories of railway operations in South Africa:

I grew up in Queenstown, Eastern Cape, South Africa. The town is situated on the Main Line between Bloemfontein and East London and had a steam locomitive depot. My father was a boiler maker with the then South African Railways and Harbours. The rail system operates on a 3’6″ gauge.

I have fond memories of visiting my dad at work during holidays, climbing on and in steam locomotives. These were of classes 19D, 14AR and 24AR. I was fascinated by these monsters and went on many rides on the footplate to turn the locomotives on the triangle. I also had the oportunity to use the regulator and stoke the fire even though I could hardly lift the showel with coal. (All done illegaly) My favourate reading was the magazine on trains published by the SAR&H.

I recall the time when the 4-6-4,4-6-4 garret locomotives were introduced. These monsters ran bunker first to East London due to the tunnels on the line. The families’ annual holiday was to travel to my grandparents farm at Welverdient in the Transvaal province.

From Queenstown to Burgersdorp the train was hauled by dubble header steam (2x19D.) I remember getting my face plastered with coal dust as I hung out of the window to get a veiw of the locomotives on curves.

From Burgersdorp to Kroonstad 23 or 15F steam classes were used and then 5E electric loco’s to Johannesburg. From there a motor coach to Welverdient. In this area I had the oportunity to observe many other locomotives of different types and classes. Using my magazines as reference, I learned all I could about them.

In 1960 diesel-electric locomotives were introduced on the Bloemfontein-East London line. These were class 33 General Electric and later General Motors locos. I remember the day I darted of to the station on my bike to have a look at them after I had heard the air-horn. I remember marveling at the powerful sound of these locos that made your insides vibrate.

These locomotives were later replaced by more powerful GM 34 class. Wow, four of these hauling a heavy grain train! The sound was magnificent!

Yes, you have guessed. I did join the Railway Operations department and retired in 2007. If you have the time, there is no better way to travel than by rail! Kobus, South Africa.

Bob has sent in these memories of his days on New York Central:

“My Dad was a dining car steward on the NY Central from 1941 to the end (1972 with AMTRAK). Great trips to Niagara Falls/Chicago/Boston/Cincinnati/and Buffalo on the Empire State Express, the New England States, the Ohio State Limited, the Pacemaker, North Shore and Lake Shore Limiteds.

I got to ride in the F-7 Diesels twice for about an hour each time. Great memory when my Dad opened the dining car service door and I leaned on the safety bar and watched three A units pull the New England States up a snowy Berkshire grade in western Mass.

Also, I would visit every station in Chicago to watch the trains while my Dad slept in the hotel for an afternoon layover. Watching the 20th Century Limited back into LaSalle Street Station in Chicago to get passengers for its 5PM departure–I can still see the blue-white light of the drumhead on the observation car (every train should have one!)as it backed toward me. Wandered around Union Station in Cincinnati taking pictures!

A cleaning crew let me hop on a C&O consist as it made a slow trip trough the car wash. Is there anything like a free orangeade in the club car as you did your homework on a winter day. I think not. Thanks, Dad.”

Thanks to everyone who has sent in their best railroading memories for publication. I am getting lots of amazing feedback from others in the hobby who are thoroughly enjoying the series. It seems that the articles have bought back many memories for everyone.

However, for those who have sent in their railroading memories for publication, please note, we have been swamped with submissions and it will take a few days to get them all published. So keep watching the blog as it is updated frequently and your memories will be published (provided they meet the publishing guidelines).

If you haven’t yet sent in your railroading memories, you can do so at http://www.model-railroad-resources.com/memories.html

Peter sent in this story of his early days working for New Zealand Railways:

My name is Peter. In the early 1960s I joined the NZ Railways as a locomotive cleaner in Stratford, Taranaki, NewZealand.

The depot was based on the West coast of the Nth Island. We had branches going East, West North And South.

The steam locomotives at the time were a J class 4-8-2 oil burner, the Ab class 4-6-2 coal burner and a main line K class 4-8-4 mountain type oil burner.

The branch line to the East went to a place called Taumaranui. There were 26 tunnels on this line through some very rugged country.

The line out West, went to a place called Opunake on the coast. This line was serviced by the Ab class engine as the rail was very light.

I gained my firemans ticket within a couple of years and I can vividley remember roaring through one of the tunnels (up hill) at night, with the cab getting very hot and we seem to be fighting for breath all the way. After a while we got used to it as we knew that the end of the tunnel was not far away.

The great thing about working in the loco side of the railway is that there is something different happening every day, and there is always a story to tell.

William has sent in his best railroad memory:

“My first ever wild thing that happend to me as a young man was ride my first hundred truck on my own. The tonnage of that load was nearly ten thousand tons of ore from a station called Rooikop to the end station of Clewer in a steal factory called Transalloys near Witbank in the district of Mphumalang in South Africa. That my friends I can tell you, where out of the top shelfs of anybodys life span.”

Ron has fond memories of his childhood days watching steam engines billowing smoke and writes:

As a child growing up, I would spend time with my Grandfather in Glendale (near Los Angeles), California.

I have vivid memories of the trains, having left LA, heading north through Glendale. Although the house was probably a mile from the tracks, I would run out front to watch as they passed through the crossing.

The power of the giant steam engines “chugging” along with their many cars was a childs delight. I could feel the power of the engines pounding the air around me and see the huge clouds of billowing smoke passing back over the train.

It seemed as the trains were miles long, but you could depend on seeing another hard working engine toward the rear. It’s a shame those beautiful engines aren’t in service today, so powerful and so impressive.

Another special treat was the passing of the “Daylight” passenger trains. They were fast and sleek, moving as fast as a bullet. My only clue that they were coming was the sounds from their horns as they approached our crossing. I knew I had to get outside quickly or I would miss them for sure, which I did a few times.

Oh to be able to relive those days. I am seventy now, but those memories still are there for me to enjoy.

Miguel has contributed this touching story of his childhood memories around trains. Thanks for sharing Miguel.

“Early years of my youth, my grandmother used to take me to see the trains in la habana, cuba at a plant that used to be a nestle and hersey chocolate factory located in an area of habana called el cerro; and I remember looking at those big steam locomotives with all the cars.

I used to get so excited and very happy; there was another plant that used to make soap and gel for the mens hair, it was called crusellas, so all these trains were passing by speacialy in the afternoon, from where I used to live. It was maybe half of a mile and we used to go walking. For me at that time it was a great adventure.

I enjoyed the sound of those engines, the sound of the bell, the cloud of the steam, the little by little seeing the locomotive getting power and velocity, pulling all those cars , which I also use to count with my grand mother. It looked like they will never stop and then looking the last car or caboose dissapearing. I would not leave until the last car was gone!

Some times my grand mother used to tell me, “lets go Miguel” and I use to say to my grand mother; god be with her, “please grand mother lets stay a little longer”. My grand mother used to pull me, but I would fight with her because I loved to walk on the tracks.

From that time my passion for trains started. That is why I want to share with those who like this hobby, my grandmother’s name was Margarita. I missed those years. I hope you like my story because it is something very important and beautiful in my life. God bless you all. Miguel. “

Bob has sent in this story of how he got interested in trains:

“Hi to all. My first railway memory and one of the best was in my home country England. My brother and I would go down to the train yard were we lived and watch the big steamers come in. Standing on that old stone bridge with the steam from the big locos blowing in our faces. The excitment was all to much.

We came to AUSTRALIA at 14yo to work on farms. My brother went onto a farm just out of Corowa NSW and I went onto a place called Daysdale NSW. One day while I was working in a paddock I heard the sound of a steam whistle looked up and I said thank you to the train for helping me to start a new life in AUSTRALIA and one day I will own a train. Well now I do… 32 HO locos… keep on whistling.”

If you would like to submit your train memories for publication go to http://www.model-railroad-resources.com/memories.html

Reader Robert has sent in this story of the day the Circus Train stopped at his house:

“When I lived in Manville N.J. in the Valley section of town. We had a cape cod style home along the Reading Rail Road line. Our home was 35 feet from the tracks. My small yard was 80′ X 60′ with an access driveway on the right side of the house. It went to the small roadway behind the house and allong the tracks. I lived there with My Wife and 2 boys. At that time they were 4 & 8yrs old.

One day the Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailies Circus train came by on it’s way to N.Y.City. It had to slow down and even stopped at one point. Rob 8 & Matt 4 were thrilled to see the animal cars go slowly by and all the equipment cars. We watched for what seemed like hours. They were so excited naming the animals. We got a chance to wave to workers and some of the people that preformed the acts. A few miles ahead was a crossing of another line it was the reason for the slow down. We didn’t care it was exciting and interesting to watch. The boys will have that memory forever and so will I.

Another Train we enjoyed counting was the Tropacana train. Hundreds of orange colored cars filled with Orange juice would go by once or twice/year. Not as exciting but a great counting exercize. “

Herb recalls the steam engines pulling Iron Ore in Ohio and shares this memory with readers:

“I live and grew up in Ashtabula, OH, USA. I remember two Steam engines in front, one in the middle and one or two at the end pulling Iron ore out of Ashtabula Harbor. Also, the Astabula Carfery took coal cars to Canada. It had twin screws and did not need any Tugs. It was built in 1917. We would go to Point Park and watch it come through the Lift bridge on the Ashtabula River. This all brings back a lot of memories.”

Jean share her memories of trains in Belgium, France and Brazil and writes:

I have many remembrances of trains when growing up in Belgium as well as France and Brazil. Here are a couple.

Just before WW2, waiting on a platform at Mons with my parents, a very unusual engine went by. It was, in current terms a 0-6-0, with a very tall stack, gleaming copper fittings, a semi open driver position. I have never seen another one like it except in movies of the 1880s in the American West, or pictures of some GWR in the UK

Another one. Between Rio de Janeiro and the summer towns of Petropolis and Teresopolis in the Serra da Mantiqueira, 40 miles north of Rio and as high as 7000 feet (the towns are at about 3000 feet), British engineers in the late XIX century had built a meter gage system (similar to South African RR), called the Leopoldina Railway. From Rio to the foot of the mountain, the track ran across lowlands. At Raiz da Serra ( Mountain Foothill), the trains were broken into sets of two carriages and each set pushed up the steep slope by a cog steam engine. At the crest, about 1200 feet , (sometimes in the midst of clouds) the train was reassembled and another steam engine took it down to Petropolis. For Teresopolis, a similar system prevailed, plus the fact that the track ran in the middle of the main street.

What I found fascinating, coming down from there one day and looking out the downhill side window, in the curves, to slow the train , the engine at point had huge brake shoes on both sides of the central cog rail, which threw plenty of sparks. The engines had a spark catcher smokestack and carriages were open at both ends to a balcony, and looked exactly like the ones in Western movies. There were two classes, First and Second, both very dusty and distinct only in that First had woven straw seats and Second had wooden benches.

A well retold joke went like this, given that the trains would speed up going downhill and slow down considerably going up.

Q: “‘What is the difference between First and Second class?”

A: “When you get to a lombada (hill climb) the conductor will come through and shout: Second class passengers get out and push the train “.

If you would like to share your railroad memories go to http://www.model-railroad-resources.com/memories.html and add your thoughts.

Gordon has sent in some memories of the Lambert Fuel Yard owned by his Dad in Canada and writes:

“My father owned a fuel yard in Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada. It was called Lambert Fuel and was served by steam and diesel trains. I watched them deliver the coal cars and spot them in front of the coal bins for my Dad to unload. There was many different kinds of coal stored at Lamber Fuel.

Some times the train crew would come and have coffee with my Dad and operate my model railway which was 0 and 027. They seemed to have greater fun operating my train set then there own. I would get rides in the cab of the engines to the rail yard across the street from the Fuel Yard, now know as the Forks. I used to stand along the tracks and watch they switch the cars and wave at the engineer.

My Dads Fuel Yard is gone now and is the home of the Winnipeg Goldeyes baseball field, home of The Fish.