Train Conductor
When I started thinking about trains and train travel after reading Waiting on a Train, it seemed that everywhere I turned, people were thinking about trains. Here are some of the interesting things I found on the net.
President Obama has announced his program for improving American railroads. It contains most of what the book Waiting on a Train advocated.
Peter Greenberg talks about the improved service tied to Vancouver Olympics.
World Hum presented arguments being promoted in Europe to take the train vs. plane.
Last Call for the Dining Car, A Telegraph Book Best train essays from the U.K. Telegraph newspaper.
If all this reading about trains has you ready to shout “All Aboard!!” Here is a commercial travel site for train journeys.
Tags: Obama, Peter Greenberg, railroad, train travel, Vancouver Olympics
You know, I’ve had a lot of different experiences in this relatively short life, but I have never taken a real train ride. The small exception was a dinner train about 45 min north of here, which was nice, but not really traveling as we only went down the road a couple of slow miles. Reading this has made me curious once again. Thanks!
This book may also be of interest: Carlos A Schwantes, Just One Restless Rider: Reflections on Trains and Travel (Columbia: University of Missouri Press, 2009).
I haven’t read it yet, but here’s the first paragraph of the publisher’s blurb:
In Just One Restless Rider, Carlos Schwantes invites readers to climb aboard for a ride they’ll never forget. This sweeping memoir reflects a lifetime’s love of observing and riding trains. Growing up in Indiana, Schwantes was enthralled by trains speeding through his town and especially dreamt of one day riding the Pennsylvania Railroad’s all-Pullman flagship Spirit of St. Louis. Now the “dean of travel historians,” Schwantes recalls his many trips along the legendary rails of America and traces the evolution of American passenger trains from the 1950s to the present. The recollections are illustrated with a host of the author’s own photos that capture old steam engines, ultramodern European terminals, and even the staff of a luxury train in action.
Thanks for that recommendation, Alasdair. I’m definitely looking for it. Sounds great, and I’m sure my brother-in-law, Wayne will like it.
I love trains, but I’m wary of traveling on them alone. Whenever I travel overnight on a train by myself, I attract some unsavory characters. What a shame, too, because I feel like train riding could be a perfect solitary activity… but not if you’re of the female persuasion!
.-= Stephanie
Stephanie: I’ve never tried traveling overnight by myself. Actually only one overnight on a wonderful Swedish train–but I’d be nervous if I didn’t have a private (pricey) sleeper compartment. Thanks for bringing this up.
The new issue of Indie Travel Podcast Magazine has a poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay, which I wish I had thought to quote earlier. The last two lines: “Yet there isn’t a train I wouldn’t take, No matter where its going.” Love that!
I love train travel. There’s something really soothing by just stepping onto a car and going. Such a contrast to the current (mis)state of air travel! That, and living in London I can visit a lot of Europe right from King’s Cross St Pancras, around the corner from my house.
Jack – eyeflare travel´s last blog ..Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Ah, yes, but you are in Britain and the whole point is that U.S. passenger train service is way behind. However, I learned from this book that U.S. is actually way ahead in using trains for transport of goods.
I know! I lived in the U.S. for over 5 years and didn’t step onto a train in that whole period. I’m encouraged about the noises being made regarding high speed trains between Los Angeles and San Francisco / Sacramento, as well as improvements in the North East though. Hope they come to be realized.
Jack – eyeflare travel´s last blog ..The "High Line" Park, New York City