Sigh... Railroaders included, have you had the "over-the-hill" moment yet?

Question

In 1968 and 1971 respectively, my brother and I hired out for the Sacramento Northern in Yuba City, Ca. In summer, 1971, we tried to take the 402 for a joy ride. Didn't happen. Generator Field sopped us.

The following year I hired out with the SP as a brakeman and went into engine service in 1973. Promoted in 1976 I finished my career in 2000.

So, I'm looking at pics on the web and I saw this at The California State Railroad Museum.

In the foreground is an SD45-T2, which I made my living with, and in the background is the SN 402 the we tried to move.

Both now in a MUSEUM!!!

What's your moment?

Dale-E · Answer

I am just 5 or 6 years ahead of you. Took my student trips on the SP from SFO to Santa Barbara summer of 64. And worked the SanJose local with a Troutman, they called Rainbow. The conductor was Caufield and we went as far as Redwood city. But as soon as I finished my student trips, and the open book trainman's test, that division did not need me, but they wanted trainmen out of Oakland. Took more student trips and finally got started. I have a ton of stories, but the one that is my top over the hill spotlight goes to the fact that as a kid we would hear the big Cab Forward coming 10 miles away and race on bicycles to meet it and feel the power as it shook the ground through Lodi CA. I remember hearing it for the last time and could not believe they would abandon something so mighty as that. I had also seen a steam switcher take on water once, and was amazed at just how much and how long it took to fill it.

Rona Lachat · Answer

http://yourrailwaypictures.com/CPRsteamengines/CPR5931.jpg

http://yourrailwaypictures.com/CPRsteamengines/5934.html
Dad had his trying to explain to his Grand daughter that he was a Fireman on the Locomotive. The job itself she could not quite understand. That the locomotive was parked on a piece of track beside the road...

She could just not figure out how the it was able to "Drive" up the hill on the road and park on the track.

She had fun riding on the working Engine with Granddad. He showed her all around.  Dad's comment later. Sure glad I do not work on it anymore.  It was 10 plus tonnes of hand shovelled coal for a run.
He was an Engineer when they "modernized" to Oil Burners.

EDIT

Have you taken that Adventure with that special Lady of yours.
http://www.irtsociety.com/trains.php

Any more on your book?

Who&#39;S Awesome? You&#39;Re Awesome! · Answer

Wouldn't really know yet, Bob. I'm only 27, almost 28, so I have awhile before I start getting "over-the-hill" moments. Hope you are still enjoying retirement and hopefully my furlough hasn't affected your checks.

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Sigh... Railroaders included, have you had the "over-the-hill" moment yet?

3 Answers