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Rosemary T, perhaps you could find other buffs by wearing an item of clothing or a pin or something that other train buffs might recognize. For me, I LOVE to see other military veterans wear caps denoting their service; makes for an immediate "icebreaker" Hope your trip is a GREAT one; I love trains and barely know a diesel from a steam engine...
Rosemary T, perhaps you could find other buffs by wearing an item of clothing or a pin or something that other train buffs might recognize. For me, I LOVE to see other military veterans wear caps denoting their service; makes for an immediate "icebreaker" Hope your trip is a GREAT one; I love trains and barely know a diesel from a steam engine...
I agree with CC on this one. I've met other train buffs by commenting on the various articles they were displaying. Usually, it's a tee shirt of some sort, but it could also be a pin, a hat, or a patch on a jacket. If I see someone wearing a tee shirt with a "Big Boy" or "Daylight" steam locomotive on it, I'm almost certain to comment in some way. Obviously, it doesn't just have to be one of those two things that will cause me to comment, but they are sentimental favorites of many train buffs. A Pennsylvania GG1, NYC Hudson, or Milwaukee Hiawatha might also elicit the type of response you seek. An Amtrak, BNSF, CSX, Norfolk Southern, or Union Pacific cap may very well do the same.
Basically, if you display something that gets the attention of fellow train buffs, you will likely get a positive response. Also, keep your eyes open for others displaying items of railroad memorabilia as a way to break the ice, too.
My girlfreind and I made it a habit of taking day trips out of NYC to places like West Chester and the Hudson River. Before the Fall weather kicked in, we would go out there once a month on Saturdays and just hang out at anywhere that seemed interesting. It was a great inexpensive getaway from the city. We always took the Metro North which had tons of sightseeing places to visit at discount prices.
I don't see anywhere near as many "train buffs" on Amtrak as I see all around some of the small train museums around the country.
Then there are a number of train places across the country such as Sparks (NV) Historical Society, Promontary Point (UT), etc.
I'm sure this is true, but I expect there are likely to be a few on board most trains, with the possible exception of trains that are strictly commuter lines. I know that for me, as a train buff, I have been wanting to take a trip on Amtrak just for the sake of riding the train. Of course I would opt to visit a special destination while doing so, but one of the primary reasons for the trip would be the train ride.
JDavid, that's where I am, too. I'm traveling to Illinois (Chicago) and I'm taking a 21-hour train trip, just because I love riding the rails. People whine about the time factor, but I *love* sitting on a train and feeling the clickety-clack of the rails and hearing the train whistle blow. That's *my* valium. It is so very soothing.
Thanks for the link to Trainorders.com Railroad Center. I already joined and am loving it. The article of clothing idea is good, too. I'll try that.
Thanks again.
Rose
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